Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1797.To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he can revise the decision to relocate a family (details supplied) who have settled in an area and started a local business, which would be directly impacted by such a relocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31956/24]

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

I am advised by my officials that compliance issues had been identified in the property where the family to which the Deputy refers is accommodated. These have now been resolved and the relocation of this family is no longer required.

While I cannot go into detail on specific compliance cases, compliance issues include but are not limited to:

The health, safety and wellbeing of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection in state-supported emergency accommodation.

Overcharging by providers for the provision of their accommodation.

Unregulated secondary properties that were being utilised by providers.

Private and residential properties that were being utilised and retained by the Department when further commercial properties were available.

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 them to make longer term independent arrangements if they decide to remain in Ireland.

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.

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, if eligible. 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 at: www.gov.ie/en/directory/category/e1f4b5-intreo-offices/map/