Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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461. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a property is being considered as an IPAS accommodation centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52952/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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As at 19th November 2023, there are over 25,000 people accommodated in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) system as a whole compared with 17,000 people at this time last year. The Department continues to explore all offers of accommodation for international protection applicants (IPAs) in as far as it can.

IPAS has not examined nor considered this property for use at this time. A detailed assessment must take place before any property can be deemed suitable as accommodation for IPAs.

The International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) continues to explore all offers of accommodation for international protection applicants IPAs in as far as it can. There remains an acute shortfall with respect to accommodation, and IPPS is working to bring further properties into use to ensure that all those who arrive in Ireland seeking shelter can be accommodated.

The Department is not in a position to discount any offer of accommodation, given the acute shortage of availability, and the continued high demand for accommodation for those seeking International Protection.