Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 June 2024
111. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide details on his Department's plans to close accommodation sites in County Clare which are currently housing Ukrainian war refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26340/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 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 BOTPs to make longer term independent arrangements if they decide to remain in Ireland. As this is a temporary support, there is an onus on my Department to ensure that its portfolio of accommodation meets the evolving needs of the State’s response to the Ukraine Crisis.
In recent months we have seen decreases in arrivals from Ukraine to Ireland, decreases in those arriving who request accommodation from the State and greater numbers of Ukrainians who choose to move on from State accommodation. As a result, my Department is currently seeking to consolidate and rationalise its BOTP accommodation portfolio to ensure value for money and greater oversight.
My Department is making decisions to end commercial contracts across the country, which will include sites in County Clare, in accordance with contractual terms and conditions agreed with providers, on the basis of financial, administrative, other accommodation management reasons or at the request of the accommodation provider.
It is expected that a significant number of contracts will end across the country over the next months, and my Department will try to schedule moves for the summer months to minimise disruption to the school year if possible.
While my Department acknowledges that this will result in significant numbers of people moving over the next number months, all accommodation arrangements provided by the State are temporary in nature. Any BOTP who is considering staying longer term in Ireland is regularly encouraged to make their own independent arrangements for accommodation using the options available to them such as pledged or Offer a Home properties, or to rent privately using supports such as rent supplement if eligible, or their salaries when they are in employment.
