Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1389, 1401, 1402 and 1405 together.

Since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, my Department continues to work as part of the whole-of-Government response with a focus on providing access to emergency temporary accommodation to those fleeing the conflict who request it. To date, over 100,000 beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs) have arrived in Ireland and approximately 75,000 of those have been referred to my Department seeking accommodation from the State. All accommodation contracted by my Department is temporary in nature, and BOTPs are advised of this when requesting emergency accommodation.

My Department regularly reviews its policies to ensure that the State’s response to the Ukrainian crisis is as effective as possible.

From 9 October 2023 , the Absence Protocol was updated to acknowledge the constrained supply of accommodation for BOTPs, and the need to maximise the supply of available beds. A decision was taken to suspend the previous allowance of one short-term absence (7 calendar days) over a 6-month period, and approved absences from emergency accommodation are restricted to exceptional medical or compassionate circumstances only. BOTPs have the option of relinquishing their accommodation in advance of travel in other circumstances, and these individuals are entitled to apply for a new offer of accommodation upon their return to Ireland at the City West Transit Hub, if accommodation is available.

Over the Christmas period, between 22 December 2023 and 8 January 2024, an exemption was put in place to allow BOTPs to travel and visit friends and family, without the need to request sanction.

When entering into a commercial contract with my Department for the provision of emergency accommodation to BOTPs, providers agree to implement all relevant policies, including the Absence policy. Providers are regularly informed about accommodation policies, and reminded of their obligations.

Between 8 December 2023 and 8 January 2024, 146 BOTPs were permitted to be absent from State-funded accommodation on an exceptional basis, for a period of seven days or more.

Additionally, in that period, 8 beneficiaries of temporary protection in receipt of State-funded accommodation opted to relinquish their accommodation to allow for non-exceptional travel, and none of these have applied for a new offer of accommodation.

Furthermore, in that same period there were 8 absences without sanction notified to this Department and in all these cases the Refusals policy was applied.

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, my Department continues to work as part of the whole-of-Government response with a focus on providing access to emergency temporary accommodation to those fleeing the conflict who need it. To date, over 100,000 beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs) have arrived in Ireland and approximately 75,000 of those have been referred to this Department seeking accommodation from the State.

In line with the Government decision of 28th October 2022, a Serviced Accommodation Contribution Policy came into operation, on a phased basis.

The policy applies to certain serviced accommodation (for example hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses and hostels) where self-catering options are not available. Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) are required to make a contribution towards payment for meals in order to avail of this State provided accommodation.

The contribution is €10 per adult and €5 per child per day. The purchase of meals in serviced accommodation is compulsory, and a refusal to pay can result in the offer of accommodation being withdrawn. This contribution applies to all BOTPs in serviced accommodation settings, irrespective of whether they are in employment or whether they are only in receipt of social welfare supports.

BOTPs living in the rapid build accommodation units are required to pay an accommodation contribution. The Government is aware that the means of BOTP may vary greatly as some are in employment and others are in receipt of social welfare supports. To ensure a fair charging mechanism and to avoid pushing BOTPs into poverty, a differential contribution scheme has been developed.

This approach involves setting the accommodation contribution at a percentage of income rather than at a set fee. A 16% rate plus a €40 flat rate utility charge is applied. The flat rate utility charge covers electricity (including electric heating), water, internet connection and domestic waste collection. The accommodation contribution is administered by the Approved Housing Body (AHB) appointed to manage the properties. This includes determination, collection, arrears management and reporting.