Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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434. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the communications have taken place with her Department regarding additional specific emergency supports for local schools in the Saggart, Citywest and Rathcoole areas, especially those taking in the largest amount of Ukrainian and IPAS children as a percentage of overall children, both before and especially in the context of the recently-announced decision to purchase the Citywest Hotel complex; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40380/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The purchase of the Citywest Hotel and Convention Centre is a key part of the Government’s strategy to develop a stable and sustainable accommodation system for people seeking international protection, by moving away from commercial properties to more State-owned centres.

The purchase of this site comes with a strong commitment to engagement with the local community and the Department's Community Engagement team has begun working closely with local community leaders, community groups and stakeholders.

The State has been leasing the site since 2020 and children accommodated at the site have been accessing education services in the area on an ongoing basis over the last two years.

While this is not a new centre, my Department recognises that the local community will have questions that they would like to raise.

In line with the commitments in the Programme for Government, the Community Engagement Team is engaging with local stakeholders, including members of the Community Integration Forum in South Dublin County Council.

The Department is committed to ensuring that the local community has access to accurate information and that structures to plan for provision of essential and supports services, such as healthcare and education, are in place to assist with the integration process.

I am confident that if there are specific needs to be discussed in relation to education services for children resident in either Ukraine or international protection accommodation, that this can be progressed through this engagement process.