Written answers

Monday, 9 September 2024

Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Asylum Seekers

Photo of Matt CarthyMatt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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1465.To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the timeframe in which it is expected that forensic accountants will conclude their work investigating potential cases of fraud in relation to the provision of accommodation for individuals seeking international protection; his intended course of action regarding any entity or persons discovered to have defrauded the state; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[35102/24]

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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With regard to meeting its obligation to provide material reception conditions to those seeking International Protection, my Department considers offers from any tax-compliant company, subject to compliance with statutory requirements and minimum standards. My Department carries out due diligence on accommodation being contracted including checks via the Companies Registration Office to ensure compliance with Companies Registration Office (CRO) requirements and tax compliance checks by way of a valid Tax Clearance Certificate.

In the event that there is an allegation of irregularities, and this is brought to the attention of my Department, my officials engage with the provider to clarify matters and take any necessary corrective action.

It is not possible at this point to estimate the timeframe in which it is expected that forensic accountants will conclude their work investigating potential cases of fraud in relation to the provision of emergency accommodation for beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs) fleeing the war in Ukraine.

The intended course of action regarding any entity or persons discovered to have defrauded the State is to ensure recovery of any overpayment that may have occurred, to protect the interests of the taxpayer in the significant State funds that have been committed to our response to the Ukraine crisis and to deal with any criminal matter in conjunction with An Garda Síochána and the Chief State Solicitors Office as appropriate.

Photo of Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1466.To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on an international protection accommodation issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.[35103/24]

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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My Department is constantly reviewing its policies to take account of the changing circumstances to ensure that the State’s response to the Ukrainian crisis is as effective as possible.

My Department’s Absence Policy sets out that Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) can apply for exceptional leave as often as they need for evidenced medical or compassionate grounds, and if sanction is given, they can return to their existing emergency accommodation.

BOTPs may also leave their emergency accommodation for non-exceptional reasons without any time limit if they relinquish their accommodation in advance.

When they return they are entitled to apply for a new offer of accommodation upon their return to Ireland, if accommodation is available. If accommodation is available in the property that they were previously in, they can be assigned there. However, this is not guaranteed.

Over the Christmas period 2023-24, an exception was made to allow BOTPs to take over 2 weeks of leave without having to request it in advance, and such policies are regularly reviewed.

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.

Further details on the Absence Protocol are available at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/absencepolicyen/

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