John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)
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282. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will confirm the status of an accommodation centre (details supplied), if it is the intention of the Department to use this accommodation centre into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38556/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish State and the Irish people have responded with exceptional support and generosity since 2022 in supporting people seeking temporary protection here from the war in Ukraine. The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration 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 to make longer term independent arrangements if they decide to remain in Ireland for the duration of the Temporary Protection Directive.

The need for accommodation for people affected by the war in Ukraine is reducing and this is expected to continue. Many people are choosing to move on from State-supported accommodation or are leaving Ireland. State accommodation contracts may also be ending where compliance issues arise, or where the owner chooses to end their contract. Because my department must ensure value for money and an effective system overall, this means some people will be moved to other locations if they still require State-contracted accommodation. Properties can then return to private use, tourism or student use, and a small proportion may be used for International Protection accommodation.

The Ukrainian residents at the property to which the Deputy refers will be relocated by 31 July 2025. My department has sent updates, through the accommodation providers, to the residents who will be affected, to let them know that the contract is ending with that provider. Where contracts between my department and accommodation providers for those fleeing the war in Ukraine come to an end, the future use of the property is a commercial decision for the provider. My department does not determine the future use of these properties.

My department has also informed the residents that if they wish to continue to receive State-funded accommodation, it will be provided in another location. Every effort will be made to keep the residents as local as possible however, given the number of moves that will take place over the next few months, this is not always possible. Due to the scale involved, the only factors that can be considered when allocating follow-on accommodation are HSE assessed medical needs. It is not possible to take other issues such as employment or school places into account when allocating follow-on accommodation, and people will be encouraged to make their own arrangements if they wish to stay in their current area.

My department appreciates that this is not easy for people and that moving location may be disruptive. State-funded accommodation is temporary and subject to change and people fleeing the war are advised of this when requesting access to temporary accommodation.

The Ukrainian residents are entitled to make their own private arrangements including potentially availing of pledged accommodation if they wish, subject to availability, and can avail of some supports to do so. Those wishing to avail of pledged accommodation in any given area should contact the Local Authority in that area or the Irish Red Cross pledge process. The Irish Red Cross can be contacted by email at registerofpledges@redcross.ie or by phoning 1800 50 70 70. Details regarding the Offer a Home scheme can be found under www.offerahome.ie. 

The Ukrainian residents 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).