Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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638. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth why Ukrainian nationals in receipt of accommodation under the temporary protection arrangements afforded to such nationals in a hotel (details supplied) have been told that they are required to move despite having established deep links in the local community, including children attending the local schools; why the contract for this facility is not being renewed; if he will reconsider the renewal of this contract having regard to the disruption and upset being caused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43017/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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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 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) to make longer term independent arrangements if they decide to remain in Ireland for the duration of the Temporary Protection Directive.

My Department is reducing the number of contracts for accommodation for people fleeing the war in Ukraine for a number of reasons, including a decrease in numbers needing accommodation, compliance concerns, value for money and greater oversight of the portfolio.

My Department has decided to prioritise ending contracts with non-compliant providers as part of this consolidation. This includes ending contracts where the Fire Safety Assessment documentation has not been submitted within the required timeframe. As part of this exercise, my Department made a decision to end its commercial contract for the specific property to which the Deputy refers.

It is not possible to delay the relocation of BOTPs from this property. The BOTPs who are currently resident at the accommodation will be offered placement at an alternative site in the near future if they still require accommodation and my officials will be in contact in due course.

In terms of moving people, every effort is being made to keep BOTPs, as local as possible. However, given the number of moves that are taking place, this is not always possible. Due to the scale involved, the only factors that can be considered when allocating follow-on accommodation are HSE assessed medical needs. It is not possible to take other issues such as employment or school places into account when allocating follow-on accommodation, and people will be encouraged to make their own arrangements if they wish to stay in their current area.

I appreciate that this may not be easy for people and that moving location may be disruptive. My Department strives to minimise any such disruption to BOTPs and communities in its relocations while ensuring the safety and security of BOTPs. BOTPs are informed that State-provided accommodation is temporary and subject to change.

Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection are entitled to make their own private arrangements including potentially availing of pledged accommodation if they wish, subject to availability, 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 on .