Government terminates 243 contracts with providers of emergency accommodation for Ukrainians
The termination of contracts for 8,532 bed spaces since April is part of a move to "consolidate" the State's portfolio of emergency accommodation, according to the integration minister
by Darragh Mc Donagh · Irish MirrorMore than 240 contracts for the provision of emergency accommodation for Ukrainian refugees have been terminated since the Government began reducing its portfolio of state-funded housing in April.
There are now 8,532 fewer bed spaces for people fleeing the war in Ukraine, and the pace at which contracts are being terminated has increased markedly.
In April, three contracts for the provision of 135 beds were terminated by the Department of Integration. This had increased to 35 contracts for 1,030 spaces in June, and 84 contracts for 3,283 spaces in August.
Last month, 76 contracts with commercial providers for 2,142 beds in emergency accommodation were terminated by the department. A total of 637 of these were in Donegal.
Integration Minister Roderic O’Gorman has said the Government is currently seeking to “consolidate and rationalise” its accommodation portfolio for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) with a view to ensuring better value for money.
“My department has decided to prioritise ending contracts with non-compliant providers as part of this consolidation,” he said in response to a parliamentary question from Labour leader Ivana Bacik.
He said common compliance issues include health-and-safety matters affecting BOTPs, overcharging by the owners of accommodation, and the use of unregulated second properties by providers.
The number of Ukrainian BOTPs living in Ireland fell by around 17,500 between August 2023 and August 2024, according to government data.
Welfare payments to Ukrainian refugees were reduced from March, prior to which they received full social welfare benefits, including jobseekers’ allowance of €232 per week.
However, those entering full-board emergency accommodation since then are paid €38.80 per week for an adult and €29.80 for a child. The Department of Justice has said it is not possible to calculate how many have since left the State because “there are no routine checks on people leaving”.
“My department aims to ensure that our portfolio of accommodation meets the evolving needs of the State’s response to the Ukraine crisis,” said Mr O’Gorman.
“In recent months, we have seen decreases in arrivals from Ukraine to Ireland, decreases in those arriving who request accommodation from the State, and greater numbers of Ukrainians who choose to move on from State accommodation.”
Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.