Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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220. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the criteria for the establishment of a temporary accommodation centre in any given area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14598/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs)

The Deputy may wish to note that my Department is not currently accepting offers of accommodation from new or current providers in respect of the provision of accommodation to Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs).

When the portal for offers of commercial accommodation for BOTPs was open, providers were asked to self-assess the validity of their accommodation offer against my Department’s criteria. These guidelines are available at gov - Revised guidelines for Temporary Accommodation in Existing Buildings for those fleeing the war in Ukraine (www.gov.ie)

International Protection applicants

Given the rapid increase in demand over recent years, my Department has been working hard to source suitable accommodation for international protection applicants, both through development of capacity on State-owned lands, planning the purchase of suitable sites, and an immediate to medium term sourcing of commercial accommodation to meet need.

The contracting of properties as emergency centres is partly dependent on the receipt of offers from external providers, and my Department cannot predetermine their geographical location. In meeting our obligation to provide material reception conditions to people seeking international protection, my Department can consider offers of accommodation from a tax-compliant company, subject to compliance with statutory requirements and minimum standards. Given the need at this time, we have not been in a position to refuse offers of suitable accommodation that meet our requirements.

Once an offer is received with respect to accommodation for international protection applicants, it is assessed for suitability. This includes a range of factors such as previous use of the property, accommodation suitability, rates, room sizes, capacity and amenities, information on the building's safety and fitness for occupancy, and various other criteria such as Wi-Fi, security provision and staffing.

The current focus is on developing State-owned accommodation from a range of sources, building a sustainable system and reducing reliance on commercial providers over time. My Department also aims to gain far greater control over dispersal patterns and to further enhance engagement with local communities and planning authorities. In the interim, there will remain a need to continue to develop emergency accommodation solutions to meet urgent demand and ensure people are provided with shelter and support.