Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent)
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603.To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason his Department has decided to move over 200 Ukrainians from a location (details supplied) after two years of those individuals and families have lived there; where they will be moved to; his Department’s plans for the location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24601/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The accommodation provider to which the Deputy refers has decided to cease accommodating Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) and has asked that all of the BOTPs in residence be moved to alternative accommodation. My Department's standard commercial accommodation contract provides that either party to the contract can terminate the agreement at any time with four weeks’ notice and the provider in this case has availed of this right. The BOTPs residing at this location were notified of this decision and recently moved to alternative locations.

While every effort is made to minimise disruption to BOTPs who must be relocated where contracts end, staying in the local area cannot be guaranteed for BOTPs who continue to require State accommodation.

My Department is currently consolidating the BOTP accommodation portfolio in line with current and future needs. As this work progresses and the portfolio is reduced, remaining within existing localities for BOTPs who must be relocated will become less likely.

My Department cannot guarantee accommodation type or location at this time where moves are necessary, and BOTPs are encouraged to engage with their Local Authority to assess the possibility of finding accommodation in the community if possible.

Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection are entitled to make their own private arrangements including potentially availing of pledged accommodation if they wish, and can avail of some supports to do so. Those wishing to avail of pledged accommodation in any given area should contact the Local Authority in that area or the Irish Red Cross pledge process. The Irish Red Cross can be contacted by email at?registerofpledges@redcross.ie?or by phoning 1800 50 70 70.??

BOTPs may also explore private rented accommodation either through their own means or with the assistance of Rent Supplement. Rent Supplement is a means-tested payment administered by the Department of Social Protection to help meet the cost of private rented accommodation. Their local Department of Social Protection office may be able to provide further information relating to Rent Supplement. Contact details for the local offices can be found on gov.ie (Intreo centres and local branch offices).

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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604.To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to confirm the position in relation to a property in south Tipperary (details supplied) which has been used for housing Ukrainians; if his Department now plans to house IPAS applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24651/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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There are currently over 30,000 people accommodated in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) system as a whole compared with approximately 8,700 people at the end of February 2022.

Ireland is currently experiencing an acute shortage of accommodation for people seeking International Protection (IPs). In order to minimise homelessness, the Department is availing of every possible vacancy within its portfolio of accommodation under contract.

In line with the recently announce accommodation strategy, as vacancies arise within existing properties under contract, including in those providing accommodation to people fleeing the war in Ukraine, where the provider agrees, the Department is availing of these spaces. A number of moves are currently being made to consolidate the portfolio of accommodation under contract for the provision of accommodation to beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs)in order to maximise the space available to the Department, and provide suitable accommodation for those seeking international protection.

In this context, Dundrum House Hotel is now a hybrid property accommodating people seeking International Protection and BOTPs. 80 beds, previously occupied by BOTPs but now vacant, have been identified in Dundrum House Hotel, Dundrum Co. Tipperary for use for accommodating IP applicants, and the overall capacity at this property remains the same.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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605.To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the position in relation to a property (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24659/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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My Department received an offer of accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) at the location to which the Deputy refers. The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) has received no offer of accommodation in respect of this property for International Protection (IPs) applicants, and is not examining this property for use for accommodation of IPs.

Offers of accommodation to BOTPs where properties are in need of significant conversion and refurbishment works are passed on to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for assessment under the Emergency Refurbishment (Ukraine) Programme (ERUP).

As with all offers of accommodation to accommodate BOTPs, but most particularly with regard to those requiring conversion/refurbishment, a detailed assessment must be carried out to ensure the property being offered is being prepared to the required standard and complies with building, fire and other statutory requirements. Accommodation providers are responsible for engaging with the relevant local authority when carrying out the refurbishment works.

Before a property in the ERUP programme is contracted for accommodating BOTPs, the relevant local authority confirms to my Department that the property is in compliance with key requirements, including planning, fire and other regulatory requirements.

If the property is deemed suitable for use, further communication will issue to elected representatives and other members of the community.