John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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111. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update on any plans he has to introduce changes to the current situation in respect of the accommodation offered to Ukrainian refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55625/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Ireland has responded to the largest displacement of people on the European continent since the Second World War. Since February 2022, as part of the Whole of Government response my Department has worked extensively to support approximately 101,800 people who have sought temporary protection in Ireland in fleeing the war in Ukraine, over 80% of whom have sought State supported accommodation.

The situation in relation to the availability of accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) arriving in Ireland remains challenging. My Department continually analyses the level of offers being made, the numbers which are contracted following due diligence checks and projected BOTP arrivals in the coming months.

The Temporary Protection Directive was recently extended to 4 March 2025 and will be in place for a longer timeframe than originally envisaged at the time of the decision to activate it in March 2022.

Following extensive discussions, the Government has decided to bring Ireland more into line with other European countries in how we assist those fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Under the revised approach, newly arriving Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection from Ukraine who seek State accommodation will be provided with accommodation for a maximum of 90 days, during which time they will also receive reduced social protection payments.

These changes will come into effect early in 2024. There will be no change for those currently in State accommodation. However, Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection are advised that State accommodation is by its nature short-term.

These changes will be communicated through various channels to ensure that Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection who are considering travelling to Ireland are fully aware of the level of assistance being offered, and the need to find accommodation after 90 days.

These changes are required to ensure that Ireland can continue to meet its obligations to help Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection, while ensuring Ireland’s approach remains in step with other EU Member States.