Written Answers Nos. 774-793
774. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the forthcoming National Migration and Integration Strategy will include specific housing supply, homelessness prevention, or emergency accommodation forecasting mechanisms. [38874/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to publish a National Migration and Integration Strategy detailing how Government intends to meet the demands and the opportunities facing Ireland’s society and economy over the next decade.
My Department is currently working collaboratively with a wide range of other Government departments to develop this strategy with the aim to publish Ireland’s first overarching whole-of-government National Migration and Integration Strategy later this year.
The scope of the Strategy will include issues such as labour market needs, legal pathways, and planning for public service provision including housing, amongst other issues relating to migration.
To that end, a Strategic Migration Policy Group (SMPG) was established in December 2024 to support that work which now consists of ten Government Departments meeting at senior official level.
The key objective of the Strategy and the SMPG is to develop a whole-of-government approach to migration policy that is coherent across Departments and responsive in seeking to address Ireland’s current and future demographic, economic and social policy needs.
More broadly, capacity-based planning for Government services is a matter for each Department in its area of responsibility, be that Housing or any other sector, whether the demand for those services increases or declines in line with demographic changes, and whether those demographic changes arise from natural increases or declines in population or from immigration or emigration.
The Government considers such matters at a central level in initiatives such as the National Development Plan and National Planning Framework, and via consideration at appropriate Cabinet Committees of capacity planning measures.
775. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the projected taxpayer cost of modular accommodation units for international protection applicants in 2026 and 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38955/26]
View answerIn line with the Programme for Government 2025, the State is working to develop more State-owned international protection accommodation and reduce reliance on commercially contracted accommodation. At present, a small number of projects are under consideration to maximise sites already in use by the Department for the purpose of providing accommodation. There are currently no concluded plans or finalised projected costs for any modular accommodation units for international protection applicants in 2026 and 2027.
776. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the status of an application (details supplied); when a decision will be reached given the application is pending for over six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38708/26]
View answerThe person referred to by the Deputy has submitted an application for an Extension of Student Conditions (ESTC), and this application continues to be processed by my Department.
To be fair to all applicants, applications are dealt with in chronological order by date received. My Department endeavours to process applications as quickly as possible. However, processing times may vary due to a number of factors, such as the number of applications on hand, individual circumstances, the complexity of applications, whether further information is required, and the resources available.
There has been a significant increase in recent months in ESTC applications. These are being dealt with as expeditiously as possible but it is only in unforeseen or unusual circumstances that such an application will be considered.
In the meantime, the person concerned should continue to seek meaningful graduate level employment, which would allow them to change their immigration status and remain in the State.
A temporary permission to work is not available whilst an ESTC application is being examined.
Applicants can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at: https://portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by email using the Oireachtas mail facility (inisoireachtasmail@justice.ie), which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the parliamentary questions process. The Deputy may consider using the email service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
777. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of prosecutions under the Criminal Justice (Engagement of Children in Criminal Activity) Act 2024 that have taken place in each of the years since the commencement of the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38711/26]
View answerThe Criminal Justice (Engagement of Children in Criminal Activity) Act 2024, which was commenced in May 2024, makes it an offence for an adult to:
• Compel, coerce, direct or deceive a child for the purpose of engaging in criminal activity.
• Induce, invite, aid, abet, counsel or procure a child to engage in criminal activity.
Those found guilty of these offences may face imprisonment of up to 12 months on summary conviction and up to five years on indictment.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that 14 proceedings (charge/summons) have been initiated since the introduction of the Criminal Justice (Engagement of Children in Criminal Activity) Act 2024 each citing an offence of: Compel, Coerce, Direct or Deceive a child to cause them to engage in criminal activity.
Witness summons and proceedings subsequently invalidated have been excluded from the count.
This legislation recognises the life-long impact and harm done to a child by drawing them into criminal activity, and is one of a set of holistic measures progressed by my Department under the Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027.
778. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on any work underway to introduce legislation to allow for assisted dying in certain restricted circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38741/26]
View answerThe issue of assisted dying is very complex, requiring careful consideration of medical, ethical and cultural issues. It also gives rise to challenging issues in the areas of criminal justice and constitutional law.
The Joint Committee on Assisted Dying was established in January 2023 to consider and make recommendations for legislative and policy change in relation to assisted dying. The Committee published its Final Report on 20 March 2024. The Committee’s report recommends that the Government introduce legislation to allow for assisted dying in certain restricted circumstances. On 23 October 2024, the Dáil voted by 76 to 53 to note the Committee’s Report.
It is a matter for Government, on foot of the Dáil vote, to determine how to progress this issue, including with regard to which Department will take a lead role in relation to it. No decision has been taken, as of yet, as regards any proposed legislative, or other actions, to be taken.
779. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will expediate an Irish residence permit application (details supplied), given its impact on the completion of a property purchase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38749/26]
View answerThe person referred to by the Deputy applied to renew their immigration permission on 04 March 2026 and this application is currently in the queue for consideration.
I understand that the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and I can assure the Deputy that my Department is exploring every avenue available to facilitate as many customers as possible and to increase processing capacity.
The Registration Office within Immigration Service Delivery of my Department is already open seven days a week to facilitate customers, with further measures to reduce processing times currently being implemented. Additional staff have been assigned to this work and further assignments are being examined. I expect that this will begin to address the delays currently being experienced.
The Registration Office provide a live application processing date broken down by stamp category, which is updated every Monday, and is available at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-renew-your-current-permission/renewing-your-registration-permission-if-you-live-in-the-republic-of-ireland/#processing.
If an application is approved, it may take up to a further 15 business days to receive the new Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card by post.
The person concerned can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s new Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at www.portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/.
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process.
780. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the specific supports and protections that will remain available for vulnerable beneficiaries of temporary protection, including persons with disabilities, older persons, families with young children and those unable to access independent accommodation, in the event of any phased withdrawal of State-funded accommodation supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38762/26]
View answerIreland will continue to support people from Ukraine, and to fulfil its obligations under the Temporary Protection Directive in respect of supports and social assistance under Article 13(1), while the Directive is in effect.
Proposals have been developed for Government in line with the EU Council Recommendation for a co-ordinated approach to transition people out of Temporary Protection across the EU. This includes proposals to phase out state-funded accommodation, provided to people from Ukraine since 2022.
Ireland’s state-funded accommodation model for people from Ukraine is in excess of that offered across the EU and of what is available to other people living in Ireland.
Any approved changes to this accommodation model would be introduced on a phased basis, with information and support provided to those affected. The proposals will also consider ongoing supports for people whose specific circumstances may make independent living challenging.
Accommodation will continue to be provided prior to the implementation of these proposals and significant notice will be given to persons affected by the changes.
The number of people living in state-provided accommodation has reduced considerably over recent years, as people source their own accommodation or move away. The Government has actively supported these moves to independence and greater integration.
These proposals are subject to Government decision. Officials in my Department are currently finalising operational arrangements for this wind-down and these arrangements will be announced in due course.
781. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 858 of 12 May 2026, the number of visa applications submitted by Palestinian nationals which were approved and refused in each of the past five years, broken down by applicants residing in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and any other relevant location, where such data is available, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38781/26]
View answer782. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 858 of 12 may 2026, the reasons for the increase in visa application refusals involving Palestinian nationals in 2026 compared with each of the previous five years; whether any changes in policy, security assessments, documentation requirements, processing procedures or country specific considerations contributed to this increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38782/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 781 and 782 together.
I can advise the Deputy that where possible, my Department processes applications from eligible Palestinian nationals as swiftly as possible. Visa applications from Palestine are received by the Embassy of Ireland in Tel Aviv, which processes certain visa applications under delegated sanction on behalf of my Department. Visa applications made outside of an applicant's home country can only be made from a country where the applicant is legally resident.
The table below details the number of visa applications from Palestinian nationals as requested by the Deputy. It should be noted that my Department does not collate statistics on the location of visa applicants regardless of their nationality.
Table 1. Visa applications from Palestinian nationals 2021 - 2026 (to 30/04/26).
|
Year |
Received |
Granted |
Refused |
|
2021 |
145 |
105 |
28 |
|
2022 |
388 |
273 |
103 |
|
2023 |
429 |
317 |
67 |
|
2024 |
742 |
463 |
186 |
|
2025 |
1,002 |
555 |
198 |
|
2026 (to 30/04/26) |
165 |
109 |
196 |
* Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
* A decision made in a particular year may relate to an application received in a previous year.
* The above figures are for decisions at first instance only. An applicant who receives a negative decision may appeal and be subsequently granted at appeal. These figures are not included.
I can confirm that there has been no recent change to visa processing procedures, approval criteria or documentation requirements in any of my Department's Visa Offices. It should be noted that each application, regardless of nationality, is decided on its own merit.
All visa applicants are advised that the responsibility is on them to provide as much information in support of their applications as they feel is necessary. Guidelines in this regard are posted on our website which is available at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/.
783. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 624 of 21 April 2026, if he has received the necessary information from Garda Authorities to answer this PQ. [38788/26]
View answerCombatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence remains an absolute priority for this Government, for my Department and for the Garda Commissioner.
The nationwide roll out of Divisional Protective Service Units (DPSUs) - which ensures that when vulnerable victims of crimes such as domestic abuse and sexual violence present to Gardaí, they are met with a consistently high standard of specialist, sensitive, professional and expert assistance - was an action under both the 'Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland' and ‘Supporting a Victim's Journey’.
There is now a DPSU in every Garda division across the country.
The below table outlines the number of Gardaí, by rank attached to Waterford-Kilkenny Divisional Protective Services Bureau.
|
Rank |
Number |
|
Inspector |
1 |
|
Sergeant |
3 |
|
Garda |
20 |
|
Total |
24 |
784. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the name of the external companies that provide cleaning and security personnel to his Department in each of the years 2025 and to date in 2026; when the contracts are next scheduled for renewal. [38789/26]
View answerMy Department is subject to EU and national public procurement rules. These rules promote an open, competitive, and non-discriminatory tendering regime which delivers value for money. To ensure adherence to these public procurement rules, my Department uses the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) national public procurement frameworks for all goods and services, where these are available.
The following external companies provided cleaning and security personnel to my Department in 2025 and 2026. Relevant years have been indicated with a Yes (Y) or No (N).
|
Department of Justice, Home Affairs & Migration |
Relevant years for provision of services |
|
|
Cleaning Service Providers |
2025 |
2026 |
|
Grosvenor Cleaning Services LTD |
Y |
Y |
|
Emerald Contract Cleaners Ireland LTD |
Y |
Y |
|
Ailesbury Contract Cleaning LTD |
Y |
Y |
|
Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists |
Y |
Y |
|
Security Service Providers |
2025 |
2026 |
|
Synergy Security Solutions LTD |
Y |
Y |
|
Bidvest Noonan (ROI) LTD |
Y |
Y |
|
Manguard Plus LTD |
Y |
N |
|
Fogarty Security Services |
Y |
N |
Current cleaning contracts in my Department run until July 2026 and April 2027 and the current security contract runs until September 2029.
785. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when a decision on an application for family reunification will be reached (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38800/26]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the Join Family visa applications referred to were created on 17 August 2025. Supporting documentation was received in the Ankara Visa Office on 01 September 2025 where they await examination and processing.
My Department's business target for join family visa applications is 12 months. It must be made clear that these are business targets for the immigration service and some applications can take longer than others. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.
While I acknowledge the personal difficulties an applicant might be experiencing, it is not possible to give a definitive date as to when these applications will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt.
While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Immigration Service Delivery function of my Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
Processing times and decisions at the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-offices/.
I am acutely aware that join family applications are very important for the people impacted. I understand that people are eager to have their families join them in Ireland, and I am committed to improving the service my Department provides.
The people concerned can now directly check the status of their visa applications on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing accounts, at: https://portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/.[]
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process.
786. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the mechanisms in place in his Department to ensure delivery on the commitments in the Programme for Government; the civil servant specifically responsible for overseeing such delivery; the measures that are used to assess progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38817/26]
View answerDelivering on the commitments laid out in the Programme for Government (PfG) is a priority for myself as Minister and my colleagues, Ministers of State Colm Brophy and Niall Collins.
Working with them, I want to ensure that we have a justice system that serves the needs of all people in the State, and allows them to feel safe and secure in their homes and in their communities.
Last November, I was pleased to publish the Statement of Strategy for my Department for 2025–2028. The Strategy aligns with the Programme for Government, sets out my Department’s strategic direction to 2028 and will further the work towards our shared vision of a safe, fair and inclusive Ireland.
My Department has further developed a Statement of Priorities for this year, drawn from the Strategy and ensuring focus on delivery of our key commitments for 2026. This will be updated each year during the lifetime of the Statement of Strategy.
The Management Board, led by the Department's Secretary General, has a central leadership role in planning and overseeing the delivery of Departmental objectives, subject to my approval. The Management Board sets the strategic direction for the justice sector, oversees policy implementation, and manages the Department’s resources.
Each month, I chair my Department's 'MinMAC' meeting, which includes Ministers Brophy and Collins, the Department's Secretary General, Management Board and the Directors of a number of agencies.
These meetings bring together the officials responsible for delivering Programme for Government commitments and provide oversight of the delivery of agreed objectives, in line with those commitments. Monthly reporting, compiled from officials within the Department, and delivered by members of the Department's Management Board, is used to track the successful implementation of these objectives and ensure that where there are any issues or challenges to delivery, that these are addressed.
787. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current number of middle management positions within an Garda Síochána, including inspectors and superintendents; the breakdown of these roles, by Garda division; whether there are any identified vacancies at these ranks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38833/26]
View answerI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
788. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current number of Garda members, sergeants, inspectors and civilian staff assigned to Y district; the number of vacancies currently in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38834/26]
View answerI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
789. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of inspectors and superintendents currently serving in Y district;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38835/26]
View answerThe Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under Section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which includes the distribution and stationing of Garda personnel throughout the State.
An Garda Síochána publishes figures in relation to the allocation of Garda personnel nationally. This includes a breakdown of Gardaí by rank and Division from 2009 to the end of March 2026, the latest date for which figures are available. The data for 2026 can be found at the following link: www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/human-resources-and-people-development/garda-hr-directorate/garda-strength-breakdown-2026/garda-strength-breakdown-2026.html.
The Deputy should select the most recently available month and then select the file titled ‘Garda Members by division district and station" to access the number of Garda members, Sergeants, Inspectors and Superintendents, assigned to the Balbriggan Community Engagement Area (the area formerly encompassed by Y District prior to implementation of the Garda Operating Model).
790. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of failed international protection applicants currently remaining in the State with appeals or judicial reviews pending; the annual cost of accommodation and supports for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38958/26]
View answerIt is a priority for my department to have recommendations made on all international protection applications as soon as possible.
This gives status to those who are entitled to international protection to rebuild their lives here, while also ensuring faster decision making in respect of those who do not meet the criteria.
There has been a significant increase in investment into the international protection system over the last years which, combined with digitisation and process reengineering, has facilitated a major increase in processing capacity and demonstrates a strong commitment to reducing cases on hand.
In 2025, the International Protection Office (IPO) delivered over 20,200 first decisions compared to approximately 14,100 in 2024, a 44% increase. The International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) more than doubled the number of appeals closed from 3,100 in 2024 to nearly 6,300 in 2025.
The State is providing accommodation to over 33,000 people who have applied for international protection, and over 9,000 of these are children. Accommodation is provided in over 300 centres nationwide.
IPAS does not collate information on residents by stage of the application process.
However, data is available from the International Protection Office (IPO) and the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) on current applications. There are approximately 35,000 International Protection applications currently pending. They are broken down as below:
• Pending at the IPO at COB 20th May – 13,056.
• Pending at PTR Review at COB 20th May – 1404.
• Pending at MDU at COB 20th May – 71.
• Pending at IPAT at 20th May - 20,593.
There are 562 Judicial Reviews currently pending against IPAT decisions.
*Data provided is correct at time of issue and may be subject to data cleansing.
Currently, there are over 800 people subject to deportation orders residing in IPAS accommodation. This number fluctuates regularly as people leave Ireland under the relevant return pathways, and as new orders are made.
The allocation for IPAS accommodation and supports for 2025 was €1.2 billion and this has reduced to an allocation of over €1.1 billion for accommodation and supports in 2026. This is the first time that the budget allocation has been less than the previous year for over five years.
IPO - International Protection Office.
IPAT - International Protection Appeals Tribunal.
PTRR - Permission to Remain Review.
MDU - Ministerial Decision Unit.
791. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of deportations carried out in the first four months of 2026 against the number of new international protection applications received in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38959/26]
View answerIt is a central priority for me that Ireland’s immigration system is robust and rules based. The enforcement aspects of our laws, including deportation orders, are an essential requirement for the system to work effectively and to ensure that there is confidence in the application of our legislation in this area.
If a person does not remove themselves from the State following the issuance of a deportation order, they will be removed, and my Department has taken action to significantly improve immigration enforcement measures and increase removals.
In 2024, 1,122 people departed from the State under various mechanisms (i.e. enforced deportation, voluntary return etc.). In 2025, 2,111 people had their departure confirmed through these pathways, an increase of 88% compared to 2024. Up to 22 May 2026, 864 people have departed the State through these pathways.
In 2025, six charter flight operations removed 205 people from the State. Of these, five operations to non-EU destinations removed 182 people who were subject to deportation orders and one operation removed 23 EU citizens on grounds of criminality.
Three charter operations to date in 2026 have seen the removal of 130 people from the State, including 67 EU citizens who were removed on grounds of criminality.
Deportations are costly and complex to enforce. It is the preferred option to return people voluntarily and my Department has a voluntary return programme to assist people to return prior to the issuance of a deportation order. A person can only avail of voluntary return before a deportation order is issued and I have increased resources into this programme to enable individuals who wish to return before a deportation order is issued to them.
It is the case that a significant number of individuals who were subject to Deportation orders have left the State without notifying the relevant authorities; however, as there are no routine exit checks at Irish borders, it is not possible to definitely provide the number of people who have or have not complied with an order. I am, however, informed that the Garda National Immigration Bureau has reviewed a large sample of cases of people subject to deportation orders; their inquiries suggest a very significant number of these individuals have left the State.
I can advise the Deputy that from 1 January to 30 April 2026, a total of 4,137 applications for international protection were received.
728 people departed from the State under the various mechanisms in the same time period.
There were 179 enforced deportations, which is an increase of 41% for the same period in 2025.
792. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department has conducted an assessment of the impact of large-scale direct provision centres on local Garda resources and community cohesion in rural towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38960/26]
View answerThe Department's Community Engagement Team (CET) was established in late 2023 to engage directly with elected representatives, local authorities, An Garda Síochána, community members, and other service providers in advance of a new centre opening.
In relation to larger State-owned sites, the model of engagement has been developed to plan for more meaningful dialogue to support these larger centres, particularly those on state-owned lands being developed under Government policy to move away from dependence on commercial providers.
The CET team also links with other stakeholders outside of immediate openings of centres to build relationships and networks with key groups. This includes meetings with Community Integration Fora, Local Development Companies (LDCs) and other non-governmental organisations.
The team engages with central government Departments and local services to provide information to assist with planning and activation of services. Different sites have different engagement needs and the team aims to be flexible to meet the needs of the community. Many communities are working with the team on openings of centres across the country and are happy to manage and facilitate new arrivals themselves with support from local authorities, local development companies or indeed other community groups. We are grateful for this support.
As part of the Programme for Government 2025, Securing Ireland’s Future, there is a commitment to expand the work of the CET to provide for detailed discussions with communities and to plan more effectively for delivery of increased public services.
My Department runs a number of funding schemes to support and enable migrant integration in Ireland.
Finally, the Programme for Government 2025 provides a commitment to developing a new Migration and Integration Strategy for Ireland, detailing how we intend to meet the demands and the opportunities facing our society and economy over the next decade. Work is well advanced on this project, with a view to the Strategy being launched later this year.
793. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the estimated annual cost to the Exchequer of supports and accommodations for international protection applicants in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38961/26]
View answerProviding reception conditions to people who are applying for international protection is part of EU and Irish law, and people are entitled to accommodation for the duration of their application process.
The State is currently accommodating over 33,000 people seeking international protection in 305 International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres around the country.
The allocation for IPAS accommodation and supports for 2025 was €1.27 billion and this has reduced to €1.1 billion for accommodation and supports in 2026. This is the first time in five years that the budget for international protection accommodation and supports is less than the previous year.
From 2022 to the end of 2024, there was a sudden and sustained increase in numbers of people applying for international protection in Ireland. This came during the same period as the arrival of over 120,000 people fleeing the war in Ukraine. The increased arrivals from 2022 onward placed profound pressure on supply of accommodation across this sector.
The new International Protection Bill 2026 gives effect to the measures of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact and was passed into law last month. The new rules will take effect on 12 June 2026 and my department continues to prepare in advance of this date. Reforming and speeding up processing of applications should also serve over time to reduce the scale of the demand for international protection accommodation.
The department is working to increase the amount of State-owned international protection accommodation and creating a more stable and sustainable accommodation system. As developing these more sustainable state-owned accommodation system options will take time, the commissioning of emergency commercial accommodation will continue to be a feature in the short to medium term.
The table below outlines the total spend on IPAS accommodation in commercial and State-owned accommodation since 2021. Please note the 2025 figure is provisional pending completion of the 2025 Appropriation Accounts.
Table 1: Total spend on IPAS accommodation in commercial and State-owned accommodation since 2021.
|
2021 |
€190,856,000 |
|
2022 |
€356,554,000 |
|
2023 |
€651,756,000 |
|
2024 |
€1.005 billion |
|
2025 |
€1.2 billion |
The costs outlined above pertain to accommodation for international protection applicants, including transport, facilities management, utilities and other related costs.
This International Protection Act represents the most significant reform of Irish asylum laws in the history of the State. It will put in place a new framework to manage migration and asylum for the long term.
It will improve decision-making structures within the international protection system and provide faster timelines for the processing of international protection applications. The overall objective of the Bill is to provide a fair, sustainable and efficient asylum procedure.
Faster decision-making means that successful applicants will be granted international protection sooner, and those whose applications are refused can be returned to their country of origin sooner. Reforming and speeding up processing of applications should also serve over time to reduce the scale of the demand for international protection accommodation.
