Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
739. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to urgently intervene in the case of a person (details supplied) and allow for accommodation in this genuine case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4047/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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.
Department officials have informed me that the person in question submitted an Exceptional Absence Application, assessed under the Department's October 2023 Absence Policy.
The Absence Policy at that time provided for limited circumstances whereby the State will pay for beds in emergency accommodation when the occupant is absent, these are namely medical and compassionate reasons.
The application was denied as it was deemed not in line with the provisions of the policy. The person was advised of this decision through their accommodation provider, and they were advised that should they wish to take a non-exceptional absence from their emergency accommodation, they had the option to voluntarily relinquish their accommodation.
It was noted that this must be done in advance of the person’s absence by submitting an Accommodation Relinquishment Notification. It was also advised that by not doing this, the absence would be deemed as unsanctioned and a refusal of state-funded accommodation, with no further accommodation offered by the Department.
I have been informed by my officials that my Department received confirmation (from the accommodation provider) that this person had left their accommodation unsanctioned and without submitting an relinquishment notification, and therefore they are no longer entitled to any further offers of accommodation.
As the Deputy will be aware, persons arriving since March 2024 were entitled to 90 days accommodation only, this further reduced to 30 days accommodation only from 10th November 2025. I can further advise the Deputy that with effect from 8th September 2025 persons who had arrived before March 2024 but who leave temporary protection accommodation, cannot avail of a second offer of accommodation.
