Written Answers Nos. 923-940
923. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of Early Learning Care and School-Age Childcare services inspected in 2023 and 2024, broken down by community or private service, service size, full day care, part time, sessional, school age childcare and county, in tabular form. [44462/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraQuality assurance of early learning and care (ELC) settings currently includes inspections carried out by both the Tusla Early Years Inspectorate and the Department of Education Inspectorate, while inspection of school-age childcare (SAC) settings is undertaken by the Tusla Early Years Inspectorate.
The Tusla Early Years Inspectorate is the independent statutory regulator for the early learning and childcare sector. Tusla are committed to ensuring that children attending ELC and SAC services are safe, that they receive appropriate care and have a positive experience where they can develop and learn in a quality service.
The Department of Education Inspectorate conducts education-focused inspections of ELC services that receive funding from my Department. These inspections evaluate the quality of the nature, range and appropriateness of the early educational experiences for children participating in ELC services. As my colleague the Minister for Education is responsible for the education inspections, I kindly suggest that you direct your question on the number of inspections undertaken by the Department of Education Inspectorate to my colleague.
Pobal, more specifically Pobal Compliance, Audit and Risk (CAR), are responsible for carrying out compliance inspections on providers in the ELC and SAC sector. These inspections are separate to the quality assurance inspections and are there to ensure that beneficiary scheme monies are being used appropriately and that risks to Exchequer funding are detected and minimised.
Further information is set out at the following link:
924. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of Early Learning Care and School-Age Childcare services that were found to be non-compliant in 2023 and 2024 in relation to staffing ratios, staff qualifications, Garda vetting and basic needs, broken down by private or community and private service, service size and full day care, part time, sessional, school age childcare and county, in tabular form. [44463/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the subject matter of the Deputy's question relates to an operational matter for Tusla, I have referred the matter to them for a direct reply.
925. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total funds provided from his Department to youth groups and youth organisations in County Donegal, broken down by group and organisation, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44468/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThrough funding at national and ETB level, my Department supports young people living in Donegal to access enriching, developmental and supportive out-of-school spaces and opportunities that help them to develop their full potential.
The majority of funding for youth services in Donegal is allocated by Donegal Education and Training Board. The following tables set out the relevant information in respect of funding from my Department to that ETB to support youth service provision.
In addition, my Department is this year providing over €14 million in funding to National Youth Organisations under the Youth Service Grant Scheme, which supports youth clubs and groups across the State, including Donegal.
Youth funding provided to Donegal Education and Training Board
|
Donegal Education Training Board |
|
|
|
|
Funding Stream |
Allocation 2022 |
Allocation 2023 |
Allocation 2024 |
|
UBU Your Place Your Space Funding Scheme |
€527,224 |
€691,313 |
€705,830 |
|
UBU Resilience and Effectiveness Scheme |
€17,500 |
NIL |
€12,000 |
|
Youth Information Centre funding |
€145,676 |
€151,503 |
€151,503 |
|
ETB Youth Grant |
€123,193 |
€128,121 |
€133,246 |
|
Local Youth Club Grant Scheme |
€ 79,860 |
€79,860 |
€79,860 |
|
Capital Funding for Staff Led Youth Services |
€47,357 |
€47,357 |
NIL |
|
Migrant Integration Funding |
NIL |
€100,000 |
€225,670 |
|
Current - Minor Grants |
€30,735 |
NIL |
€50,000 |
|
Targeted Youth Employability Support Initiative |
€40,200 |
NIL |
€36,333.33 |
|
New Service - Current |
€65,500 |
NIL |
NIL |
|
New Service - Capital |
€9,500 |
NIL |
NIL |
|
Total |
€1,086,745 |
€1,198,154 |
€1,394,442.33 |
Funding Provided under UBU Your Place Your Space Funding Scheme
|
Donegal Education Training Board |
|
|
|
|
UBU |
2022 Full Year Allocation |
2023 Full Year Allocation |
2024 Full Year Allocation |
|
Donegal Youth Service Letterkenny |
€189,522 |
€197,993 |
€205,151 |
|
Foroige South Donegal |
€169,433 |
€177,101 |
€183,820 |
|
Involve Donegal |
€57,795 |
€62,875 |
€70,195 |
|
Foroige West Donegal |
€65,500 |
€124,800 |
€127,421 |
|
Donegal Youth Service Inishowen |
€123,600 |
€128,544 |
€131,243 |
|
Total Allocation |
€605,850 |
€691,313 |
€717,830 |
Funding Provided under Youth Information Centre Funding Scheme
|
Donegal ETB |
2022 Full Year Allocation |
2023 Full Year Allocation |
2024 Full Year Allocation |
|
Letterkenny YIC (Donegal YS) |
€145,676 |
€151,503 |
€151,503 |
926. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of unaccompanied minors in the State; the number of which are under the care of Tusla; and if a breakdown will be provided on nationality of each. [44487/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is seeking information in relation to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Consequently, I have referred the matter to Tusla, and requested that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.
927. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to review correspondence (details supplied); and if he can refer this matter to estates management in Cavan and Monaghan for further review. [44490/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
928. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the HSE funds adult disabilities day care centres within CHO 8 that are opened on the weekends; and if so, the location of same, in tabular form. [44516/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
929. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of occupational therapists in place across all CHO areas, specifically related to disability services, in tabular form (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44528/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment acknowledge the essential role that Occupational Therapists play in their communities, as well as the importance of a continuation and stability of disability services over time, in order to ensure access to vital healthcare for service users.
The following table provides an overview of the number of Occupational Therapists in place across the HSE and section 38 agencies, by CHO, specifically related to disability services. This data has been taken from September 2024 employment level reports, provided by the HSE.
Figures provided include the following grades; Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapist Manager, Occupational Therapist Clinical Specialist, Occupational Therapist Senior as well as Occupational Therapist-in-charge III.
|
CHO |
Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) |
Headcount |
|
CHO 1 |
21.49 |
26 |
|
CHO 2 |
29.24 |
34 |
|
CHO 3 |
21.28 |
24 |
|
CHO 4 |
48.98 |
57 |
|
CHO 5 |
24 |
27 |
|
CHO 6 |
8.37 |
10 |
|
CHO 7 |
63.94 |
70 |
|
CHO 8 |
38.55 |
45 |
|
CHO 9 |
84.59 |
92 |
|
Grand Total |
340.44 |
385 |
Regarding the 'details supplied', in respect of Occupational Therapist posts in Longford, I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy on this matter as soon as possible.
930. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department has developed an online reporting system for the 2024 gender pay gap reporting cycle, which will consist of a central portal where all employer reports will be uploaded and can be accessed publicly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44531/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government 2020 included a commitment to legislate to require publication of the gender pay gap in large companies. The Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021 meets this commitment and requires organisations to report on their gender pay gap across a range of metrics. The purpose of gender pay gap reporting is to encourage organisations to recognise and reflect on their gender pay gap and the drivers behind it.
Reporting began in 2022 for organisations with over 250 employees, and the reporting obligation was extended to organisations with over 150 employees in 2024. Employers are required to choose a ‘snapshot’ date in June and to base their reporting on the employees they have on that date. Employers have six months from their snapshot date to make the relevant calculations and prepare their report. The Regulations also require employers to publish a statement setting out, in the employers’ opinion, the reasons for the gender pay gap in their company and what measures are being taken or proposed to be taken by the employer to eliminate or reduce that pay gap.
The reporting obligation will be extended to organisations with over 50 employees in 2025.
An online reporting system is currently being advanced by Department officials. It will consist of a central portal where all employer reports will be uploaded and can be accessed publicly.
In 2024, employers must publish their gender pay gap information on their website or in a manner that is accessible to all its employees and to the public. This information must be available for three years, beginning from the date of publication.
931. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department has been in consultation concerning a property (details supplied) for use as IPAS/BOTP accommodation. [44546/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for this question. A response will be provided directly to the Deputy in the coming days.
932. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide a breakdown of the number of persons exiting IPAS accommodation, by year from 2021-2022, and by month from January 2023 to October 2024, in tabular form. [44573/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra934. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons that exited IPAS accommodation each month from December 2022 to September 2024, in tabular form. [44575/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 932 and 934 together.
Currently, the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is providing accommodation to over 32,000 people.
Of the approximately 32,000 residents in IPAS accommodation, 5,296 had been granted permission to remain in Ireland as of 30 September 2024 and, as such, are no longer in the International Protection (IP) process.
Where a person progresses through the application and review process and receives a grant of status or permission to remain in Ireland, their status in terms of access to housing becomes the same as other people living in Ireland and Irish citizens.
All those with IP/Permission to Remain are written to once status has been granted and are advised that given their progress through the IP process, they will need to seek alternative accommodation. They are supported to register with a Local Authority and, if required, avail of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) to secure alternative accommodation.
A specific Transition team works in collaboration with Depaul Ireland, the Peter McVerry Trust, and Local Authorities to support residents with status to move on from IPAS accommodation.
Please see below the numbers of people with status exiting IPAS accommodation in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 to date:
|
Year |
People with Status exiting IPAS Accommodation |
|
2021 |
919 |
|
2022 |
733 |
|
2023 |
2,002 |
|
2024 |
3,877 to date |
Please see below the numbers of people with status exiting IPAS accommodation by month since December 2022:
|
Month |
People with Status exiting IPAS Accommodation |
|
Dec-22 |
59 |
|
Jan-23 |
97 |
|
Feb-23 |
118 |
|
Mar-23 |
162 |
|
Apr-23 |
150 |
|
May-23 |
197 |
|
Jun-23 |
200 |
|
Jul-23 |
162 |
|
Aug-23 |
142 |
|
Sep-23 |
135 |
|
Oct-23 |
130 |
|
Nov-23 |
331 |
|
Dec-23 |
178 |
|
Jan-24 |
477 |
|
Feb-24 |
357 |
|
Mar-24 |
363 |
|
Apr-24 |
475 |
|
May-24 |
463 |
|
Jun-24 |
475 |
|
Jul-24 |
580 |
|
Aug-24 |
393 |
|
Sep-24 |
294 |
933. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide a breakdown of the number of beneficiaries of temporary protection that are accommodated in modular units, pledged accommodation and Department-supported accommodation, respectively, in tabular form. [44574/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested has been extracted from our systems and is outlined in tabular form as follows. I should also point out to the Deputy that these figures provide an overview at a point in time and are contingent on a number of factors that are subject to change including accommodation availability, providers in contract at any given time, configurations, transfers resulting from contracts ceasing.
|
No. of BOTPs in Rapid Build Programme Accommodation (as of 29th October) |
2,280 |
|
No. of BOTPs in Columb Barracks Proof of Concept Modular Accommodation (as of 29th October) |
237 |
|
Total no. of BOTPs in Department Supported Accommodation, including serviced accommodation and Designated Accommodation Centres (as of 29th October) |
33,380 |
With regard to pledged accommodation, almost 22,000 BOTPs have been placed in 8,695 properties pledged to the Irish Red Cross and the ‘Offer a Home’ appeal operated by Local Authorities under the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, since the schemes launched in 2022. A figure for the number of BOTPs currently accommodated in such properties is not available.
935. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of beneficiaries of temporary protection that have exited his Department’s supported accommodation in each month from October 2023 to October 2024. [44576/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested in relation to the number of beneficiaries of temporary protection that have exited DCEDIY-supported accommodation has been extracted from our systems and is outlined in tabular form as follows. Please note that the following table refers to BOTPs in DCEDIY-provided accommodation only and does not include figures for Irish Red Cross Pledged accommodation or Offer a Home accommodation.
The Deputy may also wish to note that information is not available for October 2023, as my Department started to collate the information relating to the number of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection who have left DCEDIY-accommodation on the 15th of November 2023.
|
Month |
No. of Departures |
|
2023-11 |
709 |
|
2023-12 |
1,285 |
|
2024-01 |
1,087 |
|
2024-02 |
1,035 |
|
2024-03 |
1,256 |
|
2024-04 |
1,382 |
|
2024-05 |
1,230 |
|
2024-06 |
1,370 |
|
2024-07 |
1,634 |
|
2024-08 |
1,478 |
|
2024-09 |
1,866 |
|
2024-10 |
953 |
|
Grand Total |
15,285 |
936. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the average duration spent in IPAS accommodation to date by international protection applicants and beneficiaries that applied for international protection in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [44577/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrently, there are over 32,000 people accommodated in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) system as a whole compared with approximately 8,700 people at the end of February 2022.
The following table contains the average duration of stay for International Protection (IP) applicants who made their application between 2019 - 2024, and who remain in IPAS accommodation as of 29th October 2024.
|
Year of application |
Average duration spent in IPAS, in months |
|
2019 |
62.7 |
|
2020 |
52.5 |
|
2021 |
37.3 |
|
2022 |
26.6 |
|
2023 |
14.6 |
|
2024 |
4.8 |
The overall average duration of stay for those currently residing in IPAS accommodation is 19.7 months.
937. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of State-owned reception centres currently in operation; the number of units delivered by year; and the average capacity and the average capital cost of the units delivered in each of the years 2021 to 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [44578/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrently, the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is providing accommodation to over 32,000 people in 320 centres around the country. Over recent years, Ireland, alongside many other EU Member States and other countries, has experienced a very significant increase in people seeking International Protection (IP).
The Government and this Department is making every effort to accommodate people seeking IP against this backdrop of unprecedented demand. This is part of Irish and EU law and is also part of our humanitarian duty to provide shelter to people fleeing war and persecution in their home country.
Long-term IPAS centres
There are a number of IPAS sites with long-term arrangements with the Department, whereby the provision of accommodation, facilities management and ancillary services are contracted on a long-term basis.
These centres are Knockalisheen, Athlone, Park Lodge, Atlas House Killarney, Atlas House Tralee, Kinsale Road and Johnston Marina and have been in place since 2016 or earlier. Capacity at these 7 centres stands at approximately 1,200 people.
Over 96% of the accommodation provided to people seeking international protection by IPAS is contracted commercially.
Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy
In March 2024, Government approved a Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy. The Government's Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy (CAS) for people seeking IP aims to address the current serious shortfall in accommodation for people seeking IP and to build a more sustainable system for the longer term.
This strategy proposes a move away from reliance on commercial providers towards a core of 14,000 State beds by 2028. It was published in March 2024 and is now being implemented.
Accommodation in the new strategy is being delivered through targeting the use of state land for prefabricated and modular units, conversion of commercial buildings, and targeted purchasing of turnkey properties. It will also involve design and build of new Reception and Integration Centres and upgrading of IPAS Centres. This will be supplemented, as required, by high standard commercial providers.
To date, five additional state-owned sites have been licensed to the Department under this strategy, including Crooksling, River Lodge, Heatherside (HSE), Thornton Hall (IPS) and Lissywollen, Athlone (OPW).
Tented accommodation has been stood up at both Crooksling and River Lodge, together, these sites offer a current capacity of over 600 residents. The Department is progressing plans to develop Thornton Hall and Athlone and these are hoped to be occupied in the near future.
Capital costs for the CAS
Currently, the Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy is subject to detailed analysis and planning, and business cases on individual sites will provide clarity on the sites assessed and found to be viable.
At this point a reasonable estimate of costs will be subject to analysis and sanction on a site by site basis under the Infrastructure Guidelines.
In delivering each accommodation site, final costs will be informed by a wide variety of potentially varied factors including site acquisition, site security and insurance, physical infrastructure requirements, delivery mechanism (modular, design and build, refurbishment etc.) groundworks, labour and other variables.
Other capital costs
As well as providing reception centres and emergency accommodation, the Department also has responsibility and funding for specific accommodation to support accommodation and properties for independent living in the community. Such properties are to be provided for people with specific needs or higher supports and fall under the CAS as in-community accommodation for vulnerable persons.
A breakdown of capital costs on international protection accommodation services from 2022 to date in 2024 is provided below. This spend relates to 37 individual houses and apartments. The capital spend in 2022 and 2023 was on purchasing these properties. The capital spend in 2024 to date has been on capital works, namely renovations and fit out.
IPSS/SIPA Capital Funds
2022 Purchasing properties €8,465,305.15
2023 Purchasing properties €711,000.00
2024 Capital works €754,947.73
938. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total number of people in State-funded accommodation, both Ukrainian and international protection applicants, in each month since January 2023, not including those in receipt of the accommodation recognition payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44579/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrently, the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is providing accommodation to over 32,000 people.
Over recent years, Ireland, alongside many other EU Member States and other countries, has experienced a very significant increase in people seeking International Protection (IP).
The Government and this Department is making every effort to accommodate people seeking IP against this backdrop of unprecedented demand. This is part of Irish and EU law and is also part of our humanitarian duty to provide shelter to people fleeing war and persecution in their home country.
Weekly and monthly statistics, including total occupancy, are available publicly on gov.ie at the links below:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/07027-ipas-statistics/
www.gov.ie/en/publication/9ac7b-accommodation-of-beneficiaries-of-temporary-protection-botps/
|
Month |
Total Occupancy in IPAS Accommodation |
|
Jan-23 |
19,635 |
|
Feb-23 |
19,936 |
|
Mar-23 |
20,304 |
|
Apr-23 |
20,322 |
|
May-23 |
20,910 |
|
Jun-23 |
21,573 |
|
Jul-23 |
22,478 |
|
Aug-23 |
23,194 |
|
Sep-23 |
23,983 |
|
Oct-23 |
25,019 |
|
Nov-23 |
25,823 |
|
Dec-23 |
26,279 |
|
Jan-24 |
26,823 |
|
Feb-24 |
27,696 |
|
Mar-24 |
28,478 |
|
Apr-24 |
29,456 |
|
May-24 |
30,757 |
|
Jun-24 |
31,375 |
|
Jul-24 |
31,432 |
|
Aug-24 |
31,976 |
|
Sep-24 |
32,460 |
939. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of the six reception centres targeted under the 2021 White Paper on Ending Direct Provision that have been delivered to date; how many further are in development; the estimated number of persons that may be accommodated under reception centres delivered to date and those in development, respectively; to provide a breakdown of the average capital and current cost to build or acquire these centres; and the annual current cost to operate the centres, in tabular form. [44580/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn February 2021 A White Paper to End Direct Provision and establish a new International Protection Service was published. The paper set out a new approach for accommodating applicants that seek International Protection in Ireland and contains three core themes – accommodation, integration and supports. There is a legal obligation on the state to meet the requirements under the EU Recast Reception Conditions Directive to provide accommodation to all who request it.
In 2022 and 2023 Ireland experienced unprecedented numbers of new IP arrivals with over 26,900. To put this in context the total number of applications received in 2022 and 2023 (26,900) is greater than the total received over the preceding eight year period, 2013-2021 (23,369). These very significant arrival numbers have continued in 2024, with over 15,405 IPs applying for IPAS accommodation up to 20th October.
Because of these extreme challenges in providing accommodation, there was a recognition that the underlying assumptions on which the White Paper was based required re-assessment, as the assumptions underpinning it are based on 3500 new arrivals each year. The context of the accommodation challenge over the past 3 years as outline above formed the rationale for the review. A review of the timelines and deliverables was initiated, including the urban renewal targets, the community accommodation strand and the original 6 centre target.
On the 27th March 2024 Government agreed a new Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy (CAS) for International Protection applicants. The strategy seeks to address the current accommodation shortfall, while reforming the system over the longer term to ensure the State will always be able to meet its international commitments.
Accommodation in the new strategy will be delivered through the following multi-strand approach:
1. Use of State land for prefabricated and modular units
2. Conversion of commercial buildings
3. Targeted purchase of medium and larger turnkey properties
4. Design and build of new Reception and Integration Centres
5. Upgrading of IPAS Centres
The multi-strand approach focuses on both increasing State owned permanent capacity, and the upgrading of additional contingency accommodation, developed to specific national standards, to build an effective system to meet the new realities of increasing need while enabling the State to discharge its duty to meet the material reception conditions of IP Applicants, according to the guiding principles of the White Paper.
In order to deal with the demand led nature of the system, the commissioning of emergency commercial accommodation will continue to be a feature in the short to medium term. This accommodation will be contracted on shorter-term basis and if application numbers drop, can be decommissioned as contracts expire. It is planned that as new State owned and permanent commercial accommodation comes on stream the use of this emergency accommodation will reduce.
Once sufficient State owned accommodation has been delivered over the coming years, and emergency accommodation reduced substantially, the Government may, at that point, seek to reduce further the proportion of remaining permanent accommodation delivered by commercial providers and move to a fully or predominately State owned system.
In terms of new accommodation numbers the table below details the proposed various accommodation types, capacity and ownership.
|
Accommodation Type |
Bed Capacity |
Ownership |
|
Reception and Integration Centres and Accommodation Centres, at or above national standards |
Up to 13,000 |
State Owned |
|
In-Community Accommodation for vulnerable persons, at or above national standards |
Up to 1,000 |
State Owned, operated in partnership with NGOs. |
|
Contingency Accommodation, at national standards |
Up to 11,000 |
Commercial Providers |
|
Emergency Accommodation |
Up to 10,000 |
Commercial Providers |
Over the last six months the department has been focused on progressing the Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy with the prioritisation of particular elements of the multi-strand approach.
A lot of engagement has taken place to identify and negotiate the use of State-owned sites for emergency tented accommodation and potentially longer-term solutions. To date five sites have been licensed to the department including Crooksling, River Lodge, Heatherside (HSE), Thornton Hall (IPS) and Lissywoolen, Athlone (OPW). Tented accommodation has been stood up on Crooksling and River Lodge with Thornton Hall and Athlone to be occupied over the coming weeks and months.
The delivery of prefabricated and modular units on state lands has been prioritised by the department as a vehicle that can quickly deliver accommodation at national standards. The first project under this programme is the delivery of 40 modular units to replace tents on the Columb Barracks site. The current delivery timelines for this project is partial handover in mid-October with full-handover by mid-December 2024.
To build on this work a procurement process to form a framework for the delivery of modular/prefabricated units on other state lands has been launched. The tender process is at assessment stage with results to issue shortly.
An Expression of Interest (EOI) process was launched on the 30th April 2024 by the Department for the sourcing of suitable properties for acquisition or lease. 93 submissions have been received to date. A team of technical experts has been mobilised to assess the viability of submissions received and prioritise properties that could be available in the short-term.
In addition work is ongoing to identify supply pipelines for commercial conversions, including empty office buildings, assessment of state owned properties for suitability to refurbish and engaging on the acquisition of some large scale properties that have come to the department through direct sourcing.
While this Department is progressing implementation of the CAS, with respect to maintaining a negotiating position at the early stage of acquiring lands and/or buildings, it is not possible to release information on the expected or proposed costs of delivering state owned accommodation, as such data is commercially sensitive and its release could compromise the Department’s ability to achieve best value on behalf of the State.
The average cost of State-owned accommodation is as set out below:
|
Year |
Average |
|
2021 |
€24.48 |
|
2022 |
€28.30 |
|
2023 |
€26.95 |
|
2024 (to June) |
€23.60 |
940. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of the 75 urban renewal units targeted under the 2021 White Paper on Ending Direct Provision that have been delivered to date; how many further are in development; the estimated number of persons who may be accommodated under urban renewal units delivered to date and those in development, respectively; to provide a breakdown of the average capital and current cost to build or acquire these units; and the annual cost to operate the units, in tabular form. [44581/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn February 2021 A White Paper to End Direct Provision and establish a new International Protection Service was published. The paper set out a new approach for accommodating applicants that seek International Protection in Ireland and contains three core themes – accommodation, integration and supports. There is a legal obligation on the state to meet the requirements under the EU Recast Reception Conditions Directive to provide accommodation to all who request it.
In 2022 and 2023 Ireland experienced unprecedented numbers of new IP arrivals with over 26,900. To put this in context the total number of applications received in 2022 and 2023 (26,900) is greater than the total received over the preceding eight year period, 2013-2021 (23,369). These very significant arrival numbers have continued in 2024, with over 15,405 IPs applying for IPAS accommodation up to 20th October.
Because of these extreme challenges in providing accommodation, there was a recognition that the underlying assumptions on which the White Paper was based required re-assessment, as the assumptions underpinning it are based on 3500 new arrivals each year. The context of the accommodation challenge over the past 3 years as outline above formed the rationale for the review.
On the 27th March 2024 Government agreed a new Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy (CAS) for International Protection applicants. The strategy seeks to address the current accommodation shortfall, while reforming the system over the longer term to ensure the State will always be able to meet its international commitments.
Accommodation in the new strategy will be delivered through the following multi-strand approach:
1. Use of State land for prefabricated and modular units
2. Conversion of commercial buildings
3. Targeted purchase of medium and larger turnkey properties
4. Design and build of new Reception and Integration Centres
5. Upgrading of IPAS Centres
The multi-strand approach focuses on both increasing State owned permanent capacity, and the upgrading of additional contingency accommodation, developed to specific national standards, to build an effective system to meet the new realities of increasing need while enabling the State to discharge its duty to meet the material reception conditions of IP Applicants, according to the guiding principles of the White Paper.
In order to deal with the demand led nature of the system, the commissioning of emergency commercial accommodation will continue to be a feature in the short to medium term. This accommodation will be contracted on shorter-term basis and if application numbers drop, can be decommissioned as contracts expire. It is planned that as new State owned and permanent commercial accommodation comes on stream the use of this emergency accommodation will reduce.
Once sufficient State owned accommodation has been delivered over the coming years, and emergency accommodation reduced substantially, the Government may, at that point, seek to reduce further the proportion of remaining permanent accommodation delivered by commercial providers and move to a fully or predominately State owned system.
In terms of new accommodation numbers the table below details the proposed various accommodation types, capacity and ownership.
|
Accommodation Type |
Bed Capacity |
Ownership |
|
Reception and Integration Centres and Accommodation Centres, at or above national standards |
Up to 13,000 |
State Owned |
|
In-Community Accommodation for vulnerable persons, at or above national standards |
Up to 1,000 |
State Owned, operated in partnership with NGOs. |
|
Contingency Accommodation, at national standards |
Up to 11,000 |
Commercial Providers |
|
Emergency Accommodation |
Up to 10,000 |
Commercial Providers |
Over the last six months the department has been focused on progressing the Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy with the prioritisation of particular elements of the multi-strand approach.
A lot of engagement has taken place to identify and negotiate the use of State-owned sites for emergency tented accommodation and potentially longer-term solutions. To date five sites have been licensed to the department including Crooksling, River Lodge, Heatherside (HSE), Thornton Hall (IPS) and Lissywoolen, Athlone (OPW). Tented accommodation has been stood up on Crooksling and River Lodge with Thornton Hall and Athlone to be occupied over the coming weeks and months.
The delivery of prefabricated and modular units on state lands has been prioritised by the department as a vehicle that can quickly deliver accommodation at national standards. The first project under this programme is the delivery of 40 modular units to replace tents on the Columb Barracks site. The current delivery timelines for this project is partial handover in mid-October with full-handover by mid-December 2024.
To build on this work a procurement process to form a framework for the delivery of modular/prefabricated units on other state lands has been launched. The tender process is at assessment stage with results to issue shortly.
An Expression of Interest (EOI) process was launched on the 30th April 2024 by the Department for the sourcing of suitable properties for acquisition or lease. 93 submissions have been received to date. A team of technical experts has been mobilised to assess the viability of submissions received and prioritise properties that could be available in the short-term.
In addition work is ongoing to identify supply pipelines for commercial conversions, including empty office buildings, assessment of state owned properties for suitability to refurbish and engaging on the acquisition of some large scale properties that have come to the department through direct sourcing.
While this Department is progressing implementation of the CAS, with respect to maintaining a negotiating position at the early stage of acquiring lands and/or buildings, it is not possible to release information on the expected or proposed costs of delivering state owned accommodation, as such data is commercially sensitive and its release could compromise the Department’s ability to achieve best value on behalf of the State.
The average cost of State-owned accommodation is as set out below:
State Owned Accommodation – Average Costs Per Person Per Day – 2021 - 2024
|
Year |
Average |
|
2021 |
€24.48 |
|
2022 |
€28.30 |
|
2023 |
€26.95 |
|
2024 (to June) |
€23.60 |
