Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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283. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to his stated policy of ensuring that as far as possible beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs) are offered accommodation close to their current residences where contracts for those premises are not renewed, if he will ensure that those BOTPs who are currently accommodated in a hotel (details supplied) will be offered accommodation in Wexford town either at another accommodation centre or elsewhere close to where they have established deep community relations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43605/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Since 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 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.

My Department endeavours to provide as much advance notice as possible of moves. Generally, 48 hours’ confirmation is issued in advance of such moves and where possible in certain circumstances greater notice periods may be provided.

Where contracts with accommodation providers are not renewed, my Department undertakes to offer alternative accommodation for those beneficiaries of temporary protection who continue to be in need of assistance. However, while my Department will endeavour to offer alternative accommodation in the region in which BOTPs are currently accommodated, this is not always possible. My Department cannot guarantee accommodation type or location at this time, and BOTPs are encouraged to engage with the Local Authority to assess the possibility of finding accommodation in the community if possible.

My Department will make every effort to inform BOTPs of the arrangements for onward placements when they are known.

I appreciate that this is not easy for people and that moving location may be disruptive. My Department strives to minimise any such disruption to BOTPs and communities its relocations while also seeking to ensure that the State is getting value for money, while 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 at registerofpledges@redcross.ie or by phoning 1800 50 70 70.

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 on: www.gov.ie/en/directory/category/e1f4b5-intreo-offices/?referrer= .