Written answer
International Protection
636. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the specific concerns raised following a site visit by the Ukraine compliance team to a site (details supplied) at which accommodation has ceased to be provided to beneficiaries of temporary protection by IPAS. [29852/24]
Comment on this
In recent weeks we have seen decreases in arrivals from Ukraine to Ireland who are requesting accommodation from the state and we are now seeing greater numbers of Ukrainians who choose to move on from state accommodation. As a result, my Department is currently consolidating its accommodation portfolio to ensure value for money and greater oversight.
My Department is prioritising ending contracts with non-compliant providers as part of this consolidation. While I cannot go into detail on specific compliance cases, as there may be legal implications in some situations, compliance issues include but are not limited to:
• The health, safety and wellbeing of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection in state-supported emergency accommodation.
• Overcharging by providers for the provision of their accommodation.
• Unregulated secondary properties that were being utilised by providers.
• Private and residential properties that were being utilised and retained by the Department when further commercial properties were available.
My Department made a decision to end its commercial contract for the specific property to which the Deputy refers in accordance with contractual terms and conditions agreed with the provider. This was after considerable engagement with the provider by my officials in relation to regularising the compliance issues identified at the property. This engagement included visits to the site by officials, and an independent inspection company.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank accommodation providers for their contribution to Ireland’s response to this humanitarian crisis. Commercial accommodation providers contracted to my Department have played a valuable part in supporting this response.