Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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218. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the efforts being made to re-accommodate Ukrainian families following the closure of the temporary accommodation centre at a location (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14596/25]

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.

Since 14th March 2024 people fleeing Ukraine who have chosen to come to Ireland and then sought access to State-contracted accommodation can only remain there for 90 days.

As part of the 90-day policy, those arriving are accommodated at Designated Accommodation Centres (DACs). Any person availing of State-contracted accommodation for this period is also provided with intensive supports to assist them source independent accommodation.

The property to which the Deputy refers has been operating as one of these 90-day DACs and it is scheduled to close before Friday, 28th March.

While I cannot publicly detail the locations of BOTP accommodation centres, including regarding follow-on accommodation, in the interest of the privacy and security of residents and providers, I can assure the Deputy that my Department makes every effort to keep people as local as possible, given the scale involved this is not always possible. I am advised by my officials that it is expected that all of the BOTPs currently resident at this location will be relocated a short distance away from their current accommodation.

BOTPs are entitled to make their own private arrangements, including by availing of State-supported programmes. 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 (Intreo centres and local branch offices).