2600. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his attention has been drawn to the case of a family (details supplied); the individual assessment that was undertaken; whether one child’s disability, specialist education and accessibility requirements were considered in allocating this location; whether another child’s ongoing medical treatment was considered; whether this family falls within the his stated commitment regarding those living under temporary protection with established HSE care plans to remain in the relevant community health organisation area for continuity of care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63641/26]

The ending of the provision of commercial accommodation at the Citywest Hotel follows a Government decision of 26 May 2026. As previously communicated to all residents, no further accommodation for those granted Temporary Protection will be provided at the Citywest Hotel from 18th September 2026.

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

At the same time, a self-declaration application process was made available to residents who believed they continued to require temporary accommodation following the closure of the Citywest facility. An offer of accommodation has now issued to all residents whose applications were approved, taking into account, where relevant, any identified vulnerabilities or accommodation requirements.

Before the Department allocates accommodation to beneficiaries, available information regarding the composition of a family is considered, including any identified vulnerabilities or medical requirements, where known. The 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. The Department seeks 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 question of specialist education needs, it should be noted that it is the Department’s practice to try to retain children with special educational 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.

In the case referred to by the Deputy, the needs of all family members were carefully considered. When identifying suitable onward accommodation, priority was given to the father's submitted documented accommodation requirements, which had been assessed by his medical team as an absolute necessity. As a result, accommodation in Offaly was offered rather than in one of the centres closer to Citywest.

I trust this provides clarification and reassurance that affected residents continue to receive appropriate supports as they transition from Citywest.