Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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1821. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the supports available to a Ukrainian family (details supplied) in desperate need of accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19076/25]

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.

My Department procures accommodation predominantly in the hospitality sector, not private settings. My Department has no role in private arrangements and cannot assist with long-term housing issues or such arrangements.

My Department has established a dedicated channel through which BOTPs or their advocates can send queries or concerns related to State-contracted accommodation. BOTPs or their advocates are asked to write directly to the Ukrainian Crisis Temporary Accommodation Team (UCTAT), which can be contacted at ukrainetempaccom@equality.gov.ie, with any such queries or concerns. The decisions of that team are final.

Where hosting arrangements are coming to an end, BOTPs are entitled to make their own private arrangements for accommodation through their own means, using supports provided by the Department of Social Protection or by asking their Local Authority or Irish Red Cross for alternative pledged accommodation. Those wishing to avail of pledged accommodation in any given area should contact the Local Authority in that area or the Irish Red Cross. The Irish Red Cross can be contacted by email at migrationcrisis@redcross.ie or by phoning 1800 753 343.

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. The 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=.

In cases where hosting arrangements are ending, and no accommodation solution can be found locally, BOTPs may present at Citywest Transit Hub where a new offer of state supported emergency accommodation might be made based on their circumstances. My Department cannot offer any guarantee in relation to the location or type of accommodation that may be offered, as this will depend on the availability of accommodation on the date of application.