Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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611. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans regarding modular units built and provided in non-hospitality locations as accommodation for Ukrainian citizens, as the contracts for same become terminated; if these temporary homes will be provided to local authorities to provide for emergency accommodation; if they will be resold on the open market at a reduced rate for those seeking temporary or forward homes on existing land in Ireland; if they could be provided as student accommodation; if his Department has had any engagement with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding same (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36481/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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As part of the State’s humanitarian response to the Ukrainian crisis, the Government has developed a Rapid Build Housing Programme to provide accommodation for families fleeing the war in Ukraine who request it. The programme aims to provide short-term accommodation for up to 2,800 Ukrainians at several sites across Ireland. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is leading the development of this accommodation in conjunction with my Department.

The rapid build units are being delivered under the European Union (Planning and Development) (Displaced Persons From Ukraine Temporary Protection) Regulations 2022, which limits their use to Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection initially. The Government is obliged under EU law to provide access to suitable accommodation for people fleeing the war in Ukraine under the Temporary Protective Directive (European Council Directive 2001/55EC).

In the future the units have the potential to be utilised to address other accommodation challenges, and my Department is planning to engage with key stakeholders shortly in relation to the long-term use of the units.