Written answer
International Protection
The Government is phasing out commercial accommodation for people from Ukraine under Temporary Protection, with affected residents required to leave by their notified date, including 31 October 2026 for the property concerned. Those approved for continued accommodation may be relocated, while families can access support with schooling and private accommodation options.
279. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if there is any flexibility to the moving date for families (details supplied). [66031/26]
Comment on this
On 26 May 2026, the Government agreed to commence a phased withdrawal of state-contracted commercial accommodation for people fleeing the war in Ukraine with Temporary Protection who arrived in Ireland prior to 14 March 2024. This forms part of a wider transition programme to support people towards greater independence, while ensuring continued support for those who remain in need of state accommodation.
The phased withdrawal of some commercial accommodation is being implemented on a region-by-region basis. All affected residents have received advance notice of the changes, as well as information and support from my department, the Irish Red Cross and the International Organisation for Migration regarding available accommodation and transition options.
Ongoing supports are being provided for people with particular circumstances that would make it difficult for them to manage in independent accommodation. People in those circumstances were asked to self-declare their need for continued accommodation and provide evidence to support their application. The application form for continued state-supported commercial accommodation was available online from 04 August to 11 September 2026.
Applicants who have been approved will be accommodated in a Designated Accommodation Centre in various locations around the country. There is no guarantee continued accommodation will be in the same area in which a person currently lives. Every effort will be made to continue to accommodate those with established HSE care plans to remain in the relevant Community Health Organisation area for continuity of care.
Families with children attending school who move area can contact their local Regional Education and Language Team (REALT) if they need help finding a school place. Relevant information is provided by the Department of Education at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/publications/information-for-schools-ukraine/
Schools are required to admit all applicants unless the school is full or in very limited, defined circumstances. Families are encouraged to enrol their children as soon as they know the location of their new accommodation.
Residents who have not submitted an application for ongoing accommodation within the application period will not receive a further offer of state-contracted commercial accommodation as part of this process. They will be required to vacate the premises by the date specified in the notification they have received, which for residents of the property referred to is 31 October 2026. It is not possible to remain at the accommodation after this date.
Persons availing of temporary protection are also free to make their own private arrangements for accommodation through their own means, or by using supports provided by the Department of Social Protection.