2436. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the assessment has been undertaken before assigning Ukrainian families to different counties; if a child's disability and specialist educational needs and ongoing medical treatment are considered as part of that decision; if these families fall within the commitment regarding established HSE care plans and continuity of care; and if not, the reason. [62371/26]

2437. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if there is a mechanism to request an urgent individual review of the decision to move a Ukrainian family to another county before the transfer takes place; and if additional medical, school and professional evidence can be submitted in support of that review [62376/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2436 and 2437 together.

The phased wind-down of state contracted commercial accommodation for people from Ukraine follows a Government decision of 26 May 2026. This approach is consistent with the Council Recommendation adopted by the European Union encouraging EU Member States to support an orderly transition from Temporary Protection, while providing protection to those displaced by the conflict.

Recognising that this is a significant change for residents, my Department, the Irish Red Cross and the International Organization for Migration has commenced dedicated engagement with those affected, providing information and practical support regarding available options.

My Department also recognises that there are those who have a continued requirement for state-contracted commercial accommodation due to individual circumstances. For this reason, a self-declaration application process has been made available to residents who believe they continue to require temporary accommodation following the ending of accommodation at their property.

Before my Department allocates accommodation to beneficiaries, available information regarding the composition of a family is considered, including any identified vulnerabilities or medical requirements, where known. My Department works with relevant agencies, including the HSE, to ensure that these factors are taken into consideration, insofar as practicable, when allocating accommodation.

While every effort is made to continue to accommodate those with established HSE care plans to remain in the relevant Community Health Organisation area for continuity of care, there is no guarantee continued accommodation will be in the same area in which a person currently lives.

My Department seeks however, insofar as practicable, to match accommodation to identified needs and remains committed to ensuring that vulnerable persons continue to receive appropriate supports throughout this transition.

With specific reference to the review of an allocation prior to the date of transfer, it should be noted that the appeals process in place only allows for appealing the application decision to grant accommodation or not, rather than the location of the onward accommodation provided. Such an approach is in keeping with the way in which transfers of this nature have always been completed.

While additional supporting documents can be submitted, unless they contain new and relevant information which renders the current allocation unsuitable, it is unlikely to change. Even in such a case, the State accommodation portfolio is very limited in what it might be in a position to offer as it continues to be wound down.

It should be noted that it is standard practice to try to retain children with special needs in the same area where possible. In cases however where documented medical needs present along with special educational needs, medical requirements are considered to be the priority in the accommodation allocation process. In this context, medical requirements may necessitate relocation to a specific accommodation centre, even if it is not in immediate proximity to the current location. Relevant HSE Social Inclusion teams are kept informed of the allocations to ensure transfer of care packages and equipment within the timeframe.