Written answers
Wednesday, 22 January 2025
Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
International Protection
Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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1154. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will allow the residents of Dolcain House, Dublin 22, to remain there rather than being sent to accommodation which has been deemed unfit for cold weather and harsh conditions; if he will ensure that they will be guaranteed a space in indoor accommodation; and if he will ensure some stability by removing the threat of being moved that is constantly put on these international protection applicants. [46491/24]
Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Thank you for your question, Deputy.
There is significant pressure on the International Protection Accommodation system at present, and on the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) which manages the intake and movement of people seeking international protection.
This has been the case since 2022, when numbers of people applying for International Protection in Ireland increased significantly, a trend that has continued to date. In addition, over 113,000 people fleeing the war in Ukraine arrived in Ireland, and so there are significant shortages of suitable accommodation in this sector.
At this time, there are approximately 3,100 people who are international protection applicants who have not been offered accommodation. This is because, since the end of 2023, IPAS has not had enough accommodation to offer spaces to all applicants.
IPAS can confirm that the individuals referred to by the Deputy are accommodated in designated accommodation centres within the IPAS system and that IPAS endeavours to keep all transfers to a minimum where possible.
On occasion, for operational reasons and in order to maximise the use of bed spaces within the IPAS system, people seeking international protection are required to be transferred from one accommodation centre to another.
Residents are informed as early as possible that they are being transferred to a different accommodation centre. Subsequently, they are then provided with a transfer letter outlining the details of their newly designated accommodation.
This is done due to the logistical complexities involved in the movement of those seeking international protection through the reception system, as well as to ensure their safe and secure travel from one location to another.
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