John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)
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620. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the current status on the provision of accommodation for beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine in a hotel (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6181/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The relocation of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) from the location to which the Deputy refers are currently under pause until a decision is taken with regard to the future of the property. My Department will keep residents and providers informed about next steps.

Over 420 accommodation contracts ended in 2024 as demand reduced. Contracts may also be ending where compliance issues arise, or where the accommodation owner wishes to end or change their contract. Once a contract for the accommodation of those fleeing the war in Ukraine has ended, the future use of the property is a commercial decision for the accommodation provider. This means many properties can return to private use, tourism or student use, and a small proportion may be used for International Protection accommodation, which is much needed at this time. Providers who wish to contract for the accommodation of International Protection applicants must successfully complete an appraisal process.

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. However, while my Department will endeavour to offer alternative accommodation in the region in which they are currently accommodated, this is not always possible.

BOTPs are entitled to make their own private arrangements, either through their own means or with the assistance of a Government programme.

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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621. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons currently on a waiting list for IPAS accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6313/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Currently, the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is providing accommodation to almost 33,000 people.

As Ireland and many other European countries are experiencing a significant increase in people seeking International Protection, there is significant pressure on our accommodation system, which operates at or near capacity on an ongoing basis.

The Government is making every effort to accommodate people seeking international protection against this backdrop of unprecedented demand. However, the situation remains challenging, and the Department has not been in a position to offer IPAS accommodation to every IP applicant since 04 December 2023.

Despite growing by almost 400% since 2021 to meet demand, as of 12 February 2025, there are 3,371 single adult males awaiting an offer of accommodation.

Drop-in day services are provided for unaccommodated people who wish to avail of them. In such centres, people can access facilities including hot showers, meals and laundry services seven days a week. The Department has arrangements in place for the provision of these services with a range of NGO partners.

Unaccommodated people are provided with a weekly allowance of €113.80 per week, an increase of €75 from the standard weekly allowance provided to all applicants.

In addition, a 7 day outreach service is in place, whereby any unaccommodated who may be rough-sleeping can be identified and supported, and offers of accommodation can be made to people through this outreach service as they become available.

Our teams continue to manage the very limited accommodation available, prioritising people who are assessed as vulnerable or with specific needs.

The Department has a Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy aims to address the current serious shortfall in accommodation for people seeking international protection and to build a more sustainable system for the longer term.

Intensive efforts are underway to source and bring into use suitable accommodation facilities, and to move over time toward a greater provision of State-owned beds, in line with the strategy.

Accommodation in the strategy is being delivered through the use of State land for prefabricated and modular units, conversion of commercial buildings, and targeted purchasing of turnkey properties. It will also involve design and build of new Reception and Integration Centres and upgrading of IPAS Centres. This is supplemented, as required, by high standard commercial providers on an ongoing basis.