Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
712. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if she can prioritise ending the direct provision system as, for over 26 years, direct provision has been condemned by all UN human-rights bodies as harmful and incompatible with human dignity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6173/26]
View answerDirect provision at its core is the provision of accommodation and other basic supports for people who have come to Ireland to seek international protection. It is important to note that there is no mandatory requirement for any international protection applicant to reside within State provided accommodation if they do not wish to. It is, however, a legal obligation of the State to provide this accommodation and other basic supports to people seeking international protection. The health and wellbeing of people who have applied for international protection is a priority for the Department.
There has been a significant increase in investment into the international protection system which, combined with digitisation and process re-engineering, has facilitated a major increase in processing capacity. This allows cases to be reviewed more efficiently, and means that people who are granted international protection can progress to rebuild their lives here. It also ensures faster decision making in respect of those who do not meet the criteria.
The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) meets the need for accommodation on behalf of the state, providing basic shelter and accommodation in communal type centres. Residents are entitled to food, toiletries and other basic needs, and they can also access other State Services, including healthcare and education services, during their application.
The legal basis for this work is the Material Reception Conditions Directive, and the future legal framework will be the Migration Pact, scheduled for implementation across EU member states in June 2026.
My Department is currently focusing on preparing for the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum in advance of June 2026. The EU Pact has been designed to establish a common approach to migration and asylum that is based on solidarity, responsibility, and, importantly, respect for human rights.
At the same time, my Department has implemented significant improvements in how accommodation is managed, with a focus on improving value for money, and a move toward ensuring we provide more State-owned accommodation. This work has shown good progress in 2025 and is set to continue in the current year and beyond.
