Written answers

Wednesday, 22 January 2025

Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Ukraine War

Photo of Pa DalyPa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1291. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update on State-supported accommodation for those fleeing the war in Ukraine; the measures to support those who are no longer eligible for State-supported accommodation and therefore will be required to leave their current residences; how many people this will impact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2069/25]

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

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.

As the demand for accommodation for BOTPs decreases, and they make their own independent arrangements for accommodation, my Department is carrying vacancies in commercial contracts. At the end of 2023, almost 60,000 BOTP were in emergency accommodation sourced by my Department but there are now fewer than 30,000. Over 35,000 BOTPs are in accommodation supported by the Accommodation Recognition Payment whether through the Irish Red Cross pledge campaign, the Offer a Home scheme operated by local authorities or by private arrangements. My Department ends commercial contracts on a regular basis in order to ensure value for money and greater oversight of the portfolio. In 2024, over 400 contracts ended for emergency accommodation, in some cases initiated by the providers in order to return to the private sector, or to offer their accommodation for other uses.

It is not possible to provide an estimate in relation to the number of BOTPs likely to be affected by contract terminations in 2025. Where contracts with accommodation providers are not renewed, my Department undertakes to offer alternative accommodation for those beneficiaries of temporary protection who continue to be in need of assistance. My Department tries to offer alternative accommodation in the region in which BOTPs are currently accommodated but this is not always possible.

BOTPs 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. Details regarding the Offer a Home scheme can be found under www.offerahome.ie.

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:

www.gov.ie/en/directory/category/e1f4b5-intreo-offices/map/

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.