Ukrainians in Kilkenny at an event last year. Picture: Vicky Comerford
Contracts are in place for 14 different locations in Kilkenny to accommodate Ukrainian beneficiaries of Temporary Protection, according to the latest figures from the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
Of these, five are provided on a self-catering basis and nine on a full-board basis. Meanwhile, two locations in the county are in use for the accommodation of international protection applicants.
It comes as Kilkenny County Council has decided to acquire a 17 acre site at St Patrick's Complex on the outskirts of Kilkenny City, to accommodate up to 257 Ukrainians for a period of two years, with the option for International Protection Applicants (IPAs) for year three.
Last week, in Dáíl written questions, local TD John McGuinness asked Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O'Gorman if he could confirm the number of contracts issued to property owners in County Kilkenny for the purpose of accommodating those fleeing the war in Ukraine and separately the number of contracts for the accommodation of asylum seekers. The Kilkenny TD also asked if payment is based on the number of beds available or occupancy, and if the minister would set out the payment history for each contract since commencement.
Responding, Minister O'Gorman said he was advised by officials that there are contractual arrangements in place for 14 locations in County Kilkenny which accommodate Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection.
"My Department does not publicly detail the locations of such accommodation centres in the interest of the privacy and security of residents and providers," he said.
"Details of payments made to specific providers for specific locations are not publicly supplied by my Department as such details are commercially sensitive."
Minister O' Gorman said the Department’s standard contractual arrangement with providers of Ukraine accommodation is to pay for minimum occupancy of each room at an agreed single adult rate and for any additional occupants at an agreed additional occupancy rate.
"I am further advised by my officials that payments to each of the 14 Ukraine accommodation providers have been reviewed to ensure they are up to date. In a small number of cases, further engagement with providers is required to ensure invoices are in line with the agreed service provision and my officials are in ongoing contact with those providers in order to progress these," he said.
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