Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

538. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what progress has been made by his Department regarding the purchase of Grant's Hotel in Roscrea to become a community hotel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6389/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As part of the whole of government humanitarian response to the war in Ukraine and the increase in those seeking International Protection, a range of measures have been put in place to respond to local need and the potential pressures on services.

At a sectoral level, individual Departments have put in place processes to ensure there are systems to allow an appropriately targeted response to increased demands at local level.

These include additional resources and processes to support Education; Health; investment in local community facilities (Community Recognition Fund) and additional funding for communities through the Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme.

The three Government parties are in support of the proposal the Deputy mentions. Discussions are ongoing to advance the proposal further.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

539. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department has acquired use of, or is considering, the former addiction recovery centre at Talbot Grove in Castleisland, County Kerry, as accommodation for refugees or asylum seekers; and if so, if he will provide details on the number of persons being placed in the facility, and if they are asylum seekers or refugees. [6410/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for this question. A response will be provided directly to the Deputy in the coming days.

The Deputy may wish to be aware that the Community Engagement Team has been established within my Department which stands ready to respond to queries of this nature, and they may be contacted directly at community@equality.gov.ie