Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

350. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will examine the case of a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27079/24]

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

The Department is not in a position to comment on individual cases.

Under the European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018, those who have had their application determined are no longer entitled to Material Reception conditions. However, the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) continues to accommodate those with status, until such time that they progress into the community.

All those with International Protection/Permission to Remain are written to once status has been granted and are advised they must now seek alternative accommodation. They are also advised that the supports of the Peter McVerry Trust/Depaul Ireland are available to them.

Those with status for the greatest length of time are currently being offered a transfer to alternative emergency accommodation, currently singles/couples with status over 9 months and families with status over 18 months. This process began in September 2022 with single people with status.

In the past 24 months, over 4,600 people with status have left IPAS accommodation and progressed into the community

IPAS has a specific Transition team who work in collaboration with Depaul Ireland, the Peter McVerry Trust, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Local Authorities to support residents with status to exit IPAS accommodation and access other housing options. Those with status have the same housing entitlements as Irish Citizens and are supported to register with a Local Authority and, if required, to avail of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) to secure alternative accommodation. In addition, those with status have the same social welfare entitlements as Irish Citizens.

There is currently an accommodation shortfall for arriving International Protection (IP) applicants. This shortfall is currently in respect to single adult males and IPAS is now experiencing increasing pressure in its efforts to secure accommodation for arriving families, including those with children.

Given this and Ireland's legal obligation to provide accommodation to IP applicants, those who have held permission to remain in Ireland for a considerable length of time may be transferred to alternative emergency accommodation. This policy is in place to help ensure accommodation in non-emergency settings is available to newly arrived persons seeking International Protection.

Access to mainstream education and health services remain available to all residents of IPAS accommodation. Should a family have concerns or wish to submit medical documentation in relation to a proposed move they can contact IPAS at ipasinbox@equality.gov.ie.