Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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523. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to review as a matter of extreme urgency the relocation policy for Ukrainians in light of the huge ongoing upset/anger currently being experienced in Ballybunion, County Kerry, by both the Ukrainian community and the local community, including the impact on local businesses, shops, employment and local schools, and so on; if she will take onboard the impact this policy is having on people's lives and the local population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4116/25]

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 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. In 2024, over 420 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.

My Department is responding to this change and working to support people affected, some of whom may be asked to move to new accommodation.

In the case of a property contracted in Ballybunion, Kerry, moves are currently under pause until a decision is taken with regard to the future of the property. My Department will keep residents and the provider informed about next steps.

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 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/?referrer=http%3A//www.gov.ie/en/service/40cf48-find-your-local-intreo-office/

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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524. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an overview of remedial actions which will be undertaken by the International Protection Accommodation Service in response to the Health Information and Quality Authority report on standards at the Knockalisheen accommodation centre in Meelick, County Clare (published on 20 January 2025); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4143/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The State is currently accommodating almost 33,000 people in over 320 International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres around the country, about 9,000 of whom are children with their families.

Knockalisheen is a purpose-built state-owned Accommodation Centre located in County Clare. The centre has a capacity for 354 residents, which also includes the provision of 104 beds in tented accommodation.

I welcome the recent publication by HIQA of inspection reports for 8 IPAS accommodation centres, which showed overall positive levels of compliance with the National Standards across several IPAS centres.

This is part of an ongoing quality process whereby permanent IPAS accommodation centres are inspected by HIQA according to National Standards for international protection accommodation.

The National Standards address a range of issues relating to accommodation; food and catering; individual, community and family life; health and wellbeing; governance; and meeting the special reception needs of applicants seeking international protection. Compliance with the National Standards can only be adequately measured through on-site assessment.

Overall, the inspections carried out by HIQA found positive levels of compliance with the National Standards across the group of IPAS centres inspected. The inspections also identified instances of partial or non-compliance, which are being addressed.

Following the HIQA inspection at Knockalisheen in October 2024, the report noted that conditions had improved at this site since the last inspection, as had safeguarding arrangements for children at the centre.

Overall, a number of standards were compliant or substantially complaint, 11 standards were found to be partially compliant, and seven standards were found to be non-compliant.

The service provider has already submitted a compliance plan to HIQA outlining the specific and time-bound measures they will take to ensure full compliance with the National Standards.

The provider has implemented a new incident management policy to improve how the centre deals with and reports adverse events, including incidents of physical and verbal abuse between adult residents.

A detailed maintenance plan has also been developed for each accommodation block, and an enhanced cleaning schedule has been implemented which includes deep cleaning and more detailed room checks.

Safeguarding arrangements for children at the centre have also improved and there are now more opportunities for both children and parents to engage with staff and discuss any concerns they may have.

IPAS will engage with the provider of Knockalisheen in relation to the completion of the agreed compliance plan to ensure full compliance with the National Standards.

IPAS also carries out unannounced compliance visits which ensure adherence to established IPAS policies, procedures and standards by the service provider contracted to run International Protection Accommodation Centres.

Details of further IPAS Inspection Reports are published by the Department and can be found on gov.ie/IPAS.

I trust this information is helpful.