Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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1171. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update on the current plans for the provision of accommodation services within a location (details supplied) in Drogheda; if this centre is now operating as a dispersal centre as reported; to provide an update on how he and his Department are now planning to support Drogheda, considering the impact of this decision which has taken Drogheda's only hotel of scale from the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15289/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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There are over 28,000 people accommodated in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) system as a whole (of whom 6,669 are children). Compared with approximately 8,700 people at the end of February 2022. Together with Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection displaced by the war in Ukraine, this means that Ireland is now accommodating over 100,000 people in state-supported accommodation

This is a nationwide urgent situation and centres have been opened in all parts of the country. Since January 2022, the Department has brought over 200 properties into use to accommodate those who arrive in Ireland seeking international protection. All of the limited accommodation capacity within the IPAS system is currently being used. While demand continues to outstrip supply, the Department on behalf of the Government, is doing all it can to ensure that families and children have been accommodated. However, due to increased arrivals of families and couples in tandem with delays in opening some properties, there is an imminent possibility of a shortage of family accommodation.

The D Hotel has been offered to the International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) and contracted to provide accommodation to International Protection (IP) applicants under the emergency appraisal process. It is functioning as a dispersal centre for the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) with families in residence for a short period of time before transfer to an alternative centre.

At the end of March 2024 a new Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy for IP applicants was announced following a review with input from the White Paper Programme Board and the External Advisory Group.

The reforms will see a move away from full reliance on private providers and towards increased State-owned accommodation, delivering 14,000 State-owned beds by 2028 – quadruple the previous commitment under the White Paper. This will be supplemented, as required, by high standard commercial providers. It is the intention of this new strategy to end the use of unsuitable accommodation options currently relied upon, such as the sole hotel remaining in a given town.

Ireland is and always has been a welcoming place and the Irish people are fundamentally aware of and support the provision of shelter for those seeking refuge in the State. The State must seek to provide a large scale supply which will allow it to better manage arrivals, better manage the allocation of refugees around the country, and move away from over-reliance on short term private providers.

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP) from Ukraine living in State funded accommodation and not charged for their board and lodgings. However, BOTP in serviced accommodation make a contribution to their food costs.

In line with the government decision of the 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. BOTP are now 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.

BOTPs pay this contribution directly to the accommodation providers, and not my Department. Accordingly, I do not have the information in the format sought by the Deputy.

A contribution model for family units living in the rapid build homes has been developed. The Department 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, a differential rent scheme has been developed.

The differential rent approach involves setting the accommodation contribution at a percentage of income rather than at a set fee. A 16% rate plus €40 flat rate utility charge is being applied.

The contribution charges are being administered by Tuath Housing Association, the AHB appointed to manage the properties. This includes determination, collection and arrears management.

All Government policies regarding accommodation to Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection will remain under review.