ABSENCE PROTOCOL

Created on: February 12, 2024
Modified on: March 31, 2024

Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) will only be permitted to be absent from State funded accommodation in exceptional circumstances.

Without prior DCEDIY approval, they lose their accommodation. Designated accommodation centres will have a plan around allowing for absences of a short-term nature due to exceptional circumstances or to facilitate, for example, searches for accommodation or employment.

An exceptional circumstances absence will have to be applied for in advance with the Ukraine Crisis Temporary Accommodation Team (UCTAT) who will consider all applications on a case by case basis. For any absence without approval, UCTAT reserves the right to implement its Refusals Policy; accommodation may be reallocated and no further offer of accommodation will be made.

At all times, parents/legal guardians remain responsible for minors in their care, who cannot be left unaccompanied in accommodation under any circumstances. Under Irish Law minors are persons up to the age of 18 years. Guardianship needs to be notified to and agreed by Tusla. Written evidence of notification to Tusla and their position on arrangements must be provided on request.

Responsibility for personal items during an absence remains at the risk of the individuals; given the pressure on storage facilities, UCTAT reserves the right to dispose of items left in long-term storage (beyond 60 days).