Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2026
235. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding the policies in place in the event that a resident in an IPAS centre commits an offence in breach of their reception conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13210/26]
View answerThe safety and wellbeing of all residents and staff in our accommodation centres is a priority for the Department and all International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) teams.
An IPAS accommodation centre is a person’s home while their application for international protection is assessed. On arrival at an accommodation centre, people seeking international protection are provided with the ‘IPAS House Rules’ which explains the rules and procedures that are designed to make reception and accommodation centres safe and effective.
Should there be a breach of house rules, Section 6 of European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018 sets out measures that the Department may take when an individual “has committed, or is committing, a serious breach of the house rules of the place of accommodation”.
Usually there are a series of reminders about the house rules and or warnings. If breaches continue, it can be necessary to relocate people following repeated warnings.
When any incident occurs, IPAS teams and centre management and staff work to ensure that residents involved can be supported, and that staff are trained and ready to respond in the right way, seeking support from officials and other agencies as needed.
Staff and centre management are also equipped to support other people affected, including any family members or friends of the resident in the centre.
Guidelines are in place for IPAS staff and Department officials in relation to responding quickly to any incidents, taking action to ensure people are safe.
Centre management in all IPAS centres all have an ongoing working relationship with the local Gardaí. If there is ever any concern in relation to acts of violence or other criminal activity in any IPAS setting, An Garda Síochána are contacted.
The IPAS House Rules policy can be found at this link:
www.gov.ie/en/international-protection-accommodation-services-ipas/publications/house-rules-and-procedures/
