The State is legally obliged to offer accommodation and basic supports to people applying for international protection. Over 33,000 people are currently resident in 311 IPAS accommodation centres nationwide.
There is no central system managing offers of donations to IPAS accommodation centres, and the Department does not require any policy or procedure on donations to be followed as part of our contractual arrangements with centres and centre management.
However, in practice, many local organisations or individuals engage directly with local centre management regarding donations. The Department is aware that some centres receive donations of clothing, books, toys and other items for use by and to support residents. Where this is in place, these are managed at the centre level.
Locally, there are often community supports or connections in place, either through local community groups or advocacy organisations that have regular connections with or visit IPAS centres in the area.
Should the Deputy be aware of any issues in relation to local donations, these can be communicated to IPAS for review by emailing ipasinbox@justice.ie.
