Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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220. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason Ukrainian nationals in receipt of accommodation under the temporary protection arrangements afforded to such nationals in a hotel (details supplied) have been told that they are required to move despite having established deep links in the local community, including children attending the local schools; the reason the contract for this facility is not being renewed; if he will reconsider the renewal of this contract having regard to the disruption and upset being caused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42086/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The property to which the Deputy refers has been in contract with my Department for the provision of temporary emergency accommodation to Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) fleeing the war in Ukraine.

As part of the standard contract renewal process undertaken by my Department with regard to temporary emergency accommodation, the accommodation provider was requested to submit a Fire Safety Assessment as set out in the Code of Practice for Fire Safety Assessment of Premises and Buildings (March 2022).  The provider is afforded at least 12 weeks to submit this documentation, which provides reassurance that the property is safe for occupation from a fire safety perspective.  The documentation was not provided for this property and my Department therefore proceeded to terminate the contract, with effect from 3 November 2024. 

Where contracts with accommodation providers are not renewed, my Department undertakes to offer alternative accommodation for those BOTPs who still require it.

Every effort is being made to keep BOTPs as local as possible.  However, given the number of moves that are taking place, this is not always possible. People affected who wish to stay in the area are welcome to make their own arrangements, including through pledged accommodation, subject to availability. Due to the scale involved, the only factors that can be considered when allocating follow-on accommodation are HSE assessed medical needs. It is not possible to take other issues such as employment or school places into account when allocating follow-on accommodation.

I appreciate that this is not easy for people and that moving location can be very disruptive, but at all times my Department was clear that State-funded accommodation is temporary and subject to change.