International Protection

Tuesday, 14 July 2026

Questions (518)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

518. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question Numbers 369, 370 and 371 of 2 July 2026 (details supplied), whether residents of the Citywest Reception Centre who are refused re-entry due to alcohol or substance consumption are required to remain outside the centre; and if so, the duration and under what supervision; the specific measures in place to manage the public-order and community-safety implications of residents being refused re-entry and remaining outside the centre; whether An Garda Síochána or centre security are notified in such circumstances; whether any protocol exists to prevent a refused resident from being left outside the centre overnight or in circumstances that could pose a risk to that person or to the surrounding community; the projected increase in the number of daily applicants attending the International Protection Office application centre at Citywest since the redirection of applications from Mount Street on 11 May 2026; the projected increase in the total number of persons accommodated at the Citywest Reception Centre arising from this redirection; the timeframe over which this increase is expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52846/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration

The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) House Rules set out the rules that must be followed while living in accommodation provided by IPAS. All new residents are made aware that, by residing in IPAS accommodation, they are agreeing to abide by the IPAS House Rules.

The IPAS House Rules state that residents must not consume or store alcohol or illegal drugs in accommodation centres. It also states that persons under the influence of alcohol, non-prescription drugs or substances which affects their behaviour will not be permitted onsite. They are not permitted on site for the duration of the period in which they are under the influence of such substances.

Centre residents are informed regularly about the powers of An Garda Síochána in relation to anti-social behaviour including confiscating alcohol from anyone drinking in a public place, particularly if it could cause worry for public safety. Any issues of a criminal nature are a matter for the Gardaí.

In terms of speculating on future asylum applications, application numbers for international protections vary over time in all countries and processing is demand-led. However, application numbers have reduced in Ireland since 2024 by about one third.

The introduction of the EU Migration Pact and the International Protection Act 2026 means significantly accelerated processing, and includes statutory timeframes for decisions, both at first-instance and appeal. This should also reduce the number of secondary movements through the EU.

Faster processing will mean that applicants spend less time in IPAS accommodation, and this will significantly reduce the cost of the asylum system to the State. Faster decision-making will also mean that successful applicants will be granted international protection sooner, and those whose applications are refused can return to the appropriate country sooner.

Over the last 18 months, up to the introduction of the Pact, there was an average of 52 asylum applicants per working day. This has fallen to 28 per working day since Pact operations commenced on 12 June 2026.