International Protection

Tuesday, 1 April 2025

Questions (661, 662)

Paul Lawless

Question:

661. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to list the total number of IPAS centres in Mayo. [15601/25]

View answer

662. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the list of other properties in Mayo that are under consideration or offer to his Department for the provision of asylum accommodation. [15602/25]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

I propose to take Questions Nos. 661 and 662 together.

Since 2024, the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) has not published details of the specific locations of our accommodation centres. This is due to both safety and security concerns, and to protect the privacy of international protection applicants in line with my and my officials' duties under the International Protection Act 2015.

The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) releases weekly statistics in relation to international protection (IP) applicants. This includes a per county breakdown of where IP applicants are residing and a wide range of other details. These statistics are located on the Gov.ie website: www.gov.ie/en/publication/07027-ipas-statistics/.

In terms of properties from whom my Department has received an offer of accommodation, offers are received on a regular basis, and are subject to detailed appraisal, whose criteria I outline below. Many properties are not accepted for a variety of reasons. These offers are processed by my Department's International Protection Procurement service, and as they are part of a commercial process, it is not appropriate to share details before an offer is appraised or considered suitable.

The contracting of properties as emergency centres is partly dependent on the receipt of offers from external providers, and the Department cannot predetermine their geographical location.

In meeting our obligation to provide material reception conditions to people seeking international protection, the Department can consider offers of accommodation from a tax-compliant company, subject to compliance with statutory requirements and minimum standards.

Once an offer is received with respect to accommodation for international protection applicants, it is assessed for suitability. This includes a range of factors such as previous use of the property, accommodation suitability, rates, room sizes, capacity and amenities, information on the building's safety and fitness for occupancy, and various other criteria such as Wi-Fi, security provision and staffing.

The Department carries out due diligence on accommodation being contracted including checks via the Companies Registration Office to ensure compliance with Companies Registration Office (CRO) requirements and tax compliance checks by way of a valid Tax Clearance Certificate.

Furthermore, all statutory requirements relating to the establishment and management of accommodation are met by the service provider, including health and safety, fire, building regulations and other requirements.

Should the Department receive an offer of accommodation for international protection which is deemed suitable, the Community Engagement Team (CET) will provide detailed information in direct engagements with elected representatives in advance of it coming into use.

I trust this information is helpful.

Question No. 662 answered with Question No. 661.

Question No. 663 answered with Question No. 655.

Question No. 664 answered with Question No. 655.