Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
907. Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to ensure Ukrainian families currently residing at the Tougher's site on the outskirts of Carlow town in County Carlow can remain at this accommodation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2328/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) 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 (BOTPs) to make longer term independent arrangements if they decide to remain in Ireland for the duration of the Temporary Protection Directive.
In order to provide this temporary shelter, my Department contracts with private providers for a wide range of accommodation. Providers agree to abide by the contracted terms and are subject to inspections by an independent inspections company. In the case of the accommodation on the grounds of Toughers Bar and Restaurant, an inspection revealed concerns around fire safety which could not be quickly remediated. The safety of the people in our accommodation is our highest concern, and the Department decided to terminate the contract and arranged to move people out of the property as soon as possible.
Following discussions with the relevant local authority, a fire officer inspected the property on 17 December. As a result of that inspection, we agreed to temporarily extend the contract until the end of January 2025. This temporary extension was given on the condition that the provider fulfilled some new temporary safety conditions on site for the mobile home residences where the people were being accommodated.
Officials in my Department’s Relocations team were in contact with the residents to provide details of their moving date and to offer further the State-contracted accommodation that will be provided to those who still needed it.
The Department appreciates that this is not easy for people and that moving location may be disruptive. The Department strives to minimise any such disruption to BOTPs and communities as part of its relocations while also seeking to ensure that the State is getting value for money and continuing to comply with its obligations under the Temporary Protection Directive. State-funded accommodation is temporary and subject to change.
Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection 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 atregisterofpledges@redcross.ie or by phoning 1800 50 70 70.Details regarding the Offer a Home scheme can be found under www.offerahome.ie.
BOTPs 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 at: www.gov.ie/en/directory/category/e1f4b5-intreo-offices/?referrer=https://www.gov.ie/intreocentres/
