Written answers
Tuesday, 23 July 2024
Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Departmental Contracts
Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1790.To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if documents (details supplied) will be reviewed; if contracts can be renewed for this property; if his Department has been in contact with this individual regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31742/24]
Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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My Department is currently engaging with the provider to which the Deputy refers in relation to their contract renewal. While the offer of additional accommodation is appreciated, it should be noted that my Department is not presently contracting additional accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) from new or existing providers.
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, in line with Government policy. This supports BOTPs to make longer term independent arrangements if they decide to remain in Ireland. This is a temporary support. My Department aims to ensure that our portfolio of accommodation meets the evolving needs of the State’s response to the Ukraine Crisis.
In recent months we have seen decreases in arrivals from Ukraine to Ireland, decreases in those arriving who request accommodation from the State and greater numbers of Ukrainians who choose to move on from State accommodation.
As a result, my Department is currently seeking to consolidate and rationalise its BOTP accommodation portfolio to ensure greater compliance with standards and better value for money.
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