Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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610. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if, in light of the increasing demand for accommodation for both international protection applicants and beneficiaries of temporary protection, particularly those fleeing the war in Ukraine, he will outline in full any current or projected plans for the establishment, expansion or repurposing of accommodation centres within Cork north central over the next twelve months; if his Department has identified or is actively examining specific sites or properties in the area for potential use in this regard; and if he will provide a list of all such locations currently under consideration, negotiation, or formal agreement, including timelines for activation and capacity projections for each. [32133/25]

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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611. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality whether he or his officials have engaged directly with local property owners, commercial agents, or other private accommodation providers within Cork north central to secure such facilities, and to detail the nature and extent of those engagements to date (details supplied). [32134/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 610 and 611 together.

In terms of demand for Ukraine accommodation, since 2024 and over recent months we continue to see decreases in the numbers of those fleeing the war in Ukraine arriving in Ireland, or requesting accommodation from the State.

In addition, those who have already been accommodated continue to choose to move on from State-provided Ukraine accommodation for more independent living.

As a result the procurement of accommodation for those fleeing the Ukraine war has been paused.

While the demand for IPAS accommodation remains high, the rate of increase in new applications for international protection has reduced in recent months. The State is currently accommodating almost 33,000 people who have applied for international protection in Ireland.

Access to wider public services such as health and education services for international protection applicants is set out in Irish and EU law, and this is planned for and provided by the HSE, the Department of Education and other cross-Government services.

There are currently no properties in the Cork North Central area under consideration by my Department to provide international protection accommodation.

The Department receives regular offers of accommodation from external commercial providers, and does not predetermine their geographical location. All offers of international protection accommodation are reviewed by the Department under a standardised appraisal procedure.

Factors in the appraisal of international protection accommodation include the site and its potential, the value for money it offers, planning matters and any works required to meet the required standards.

Consideration is also given to the location and locality, access to services, resident welfare, health and wellbeing, and the current level of need in the sector.