Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 July 2024
250. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if all IPAS accommodation providers for people seeking international protection are obliged to provide a transport service in cases where there is not regular public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30136/24]
View answerThe Department engages with relevant stakeholders and accommodation service providers as appropriate, to ensure that international protection (IP) applicants placed in accommodation in isolated areas will have access to transportation for basic requirements. The International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) try to ensure in as far as possible that IP applicants are not located in remote locations however, given the current demand for accommodation, this is not always possible.
In situations where an accommodation centre is located in an area without public transport links within a 2km radius, with manageable access, IPPS will work with accommodation service providers ensure that a shuttle bus service to a nearby town or public transport stop is provided.
