Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
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958. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will consider a temporary pause on the decision to move the beneficiaries of temporary protection currently staying at a location (details supplied) to new accommodation until after the end of the 2024-2025 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2648/25]

Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
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959. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will reconsider the decision to no longer allow the beneficiaries of temporary protection currently staying at a location (details supplied) and who have been told they will be moved to new accommodation, to accommodate their pets with them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2649/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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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.

As part of the response to the unprecedented humanitarian crisis of the war breaking out in Ukraine, my Department took on a variety of different commercial properties, including some properties that were previously providing student accommodation. In consultation with the Minister for Further Education, it was agreed that these beds, numbering around 1,800 in total, would be returned to student accommodation when it was possible to do so. The location the Deputy is referring to, was developed for student accommodation, and an extension to the contract is not possible.

My Department aims to ensure that our portfolio of accommodation meets the evolving needs of the State’s response to the Ukraine Crisis. 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. As a result, my Department ends contracts on a regular basis in order to ensure value for money and greater oversight of the portfolio. The BOTPs who are currently resident at this property will be offered placement at an alternative site if they still require accommodation.

Every effort will be 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. All accommodation provided by the Department is temporary, and BOTPs are informed of this when they request accommodation from the State.

My Department does not provide accommodation to pets, and this has been made clear to people who have requested state contracted accommodation. Responsibility for pets rests with their owners.

My Department appreciates that this is not easy for people and that moving location may be disruptive, but at all times we were clear that State-funded accommodation for beneficiaries of temporary protection is temporary and subject to change. We need to provide the best we can for all those who come to Ireland fleeing the war in Ukraine, and other areas of war or oppression, while balancing this with the requirement to make best possible use of State funds.

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. Details regarding the Offer a Home scheme can be found under .

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 gov.ie