Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2026
159. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the legislation under which his Department can acquire residential houses to be used to accommodate persons in need of emergency accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35665/26]
View answerThe International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is currently accommodating over 33,000 residents in 305 International Protection accommodation centres around the country.
Currently over 88% of accommodation capacity is provided through commercial providers and in sourcing accommodation over recent years the State has worked to avoid competing significantly with the residential property sector.
Whether commercially contracted or State-owned, the great majority of IPAS accommodation centres are located in group settings in larger properties, like former hotels, guesthouses, commercial and institutional buildings. A small proportion of more vulnerable applicants who may have special reception needs may be accommodated in smaller scale properties.
In line with the Programme for Government 2025 and the Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy for International Protection applicants approved in 2024, the State is working to develop more State-owned International Protection accommodation and reduce reliance on commercial contracted accommodation. This includes the development of in-community accommodation for more vulnerable applicants for whom group accommodation would not be suitable.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth purchased 37 in-community properties for vulnerable international protection applicants. 34 of these properties are being deployed to meet the needs of vulnerable cohorts of applicants. Three of these properties are currently under review for alternative uses outside of International Protection accommodation.
The provision of International Protection accommodation is required under the European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018. The sourcing or purchase of properties for international protection purposes is subject to appropriate oversight and approval, but does not require legislation.
Breakdown of type of Property:
|
Type of Property |
Number |
|
One Bed Apartment |
1 |
|
Two Bed Apartment |
5 |
|
Two Bed House |
4 |
|
Three Bed House |
20 |
|
Four Bed House |
5 |
|
10 Bed |
1 |
|
12 Bed |
1 |
|
Total |
37 |
Since 2024, IPAS has not published details of the specific locations, resident profile, and occupancy of our individual accommodation centres. This is to preserve the privacy, safety and wellbeing of residents and staff.
