Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 November 2025
519. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of international protection accommodation centres currently not in possession of a fire safety certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65042/25]
View answerThe safety and well-being of all residents in International Protection accommodation is the highest priority for the Department and fire safety is a critical requirement for all accommodation centres.
The Department does not routinely collate data in the manner requested in the question, but all international protection accommodation centres are subject to inspections each year through either Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) or IPAS-commissioned inspections.
The IPAS inspection regime is a key mechanism for ensuring that all providers adhere to their contractual obligations, which explicitly include full compliance with all statutory fire and building control regulations.
Correct fire safety certification, in line with relevant Local Authority requirements, is also a priority aspect of the appraisal process for all international protection accommodation centres.
It is a mandatory requirement for any new or renewed contract for accommodation for international protection applicants.
Reports from IPAS inspections are published on gov.ie: www.gov.ie/en/international-protection-accommodation-services-ipas/publications/ipas-inspection-reports/.
HIQA inspection reports can be found on the HIQA website: www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/inspection-reports.
IPAS also carries out unannounced inspection compliance visits which ensure adherence to established IPAS policies, procedures, and standards, by the contracted service provider.
It is important to note that a published inspection report is a snapshot in time, reflecting the findings on the day of the inspection. The report itself is not updated with subsequent actions.
Therefore, while a report may highlight deficiencies, the formal follow-up actions, remedial works, or photographic proof of resolution provided by the contractor are handled after the report is issued, as part of the compliance process.
