Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 July 2025
67. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when the appraisals will be completed, and decisions made, on properties that have expressed an interest in providing international protection accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36667/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) provides accommodation in over 320 centres around the country. These centres are a mix of State-owned sites, long-term centres, and emergency accommodation contracted commercially.
In line with the Programme for Government 2025, and the Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy for International Protection approved in 2024, the State is working to build a sustainable accommodation system, to develop more State-owned international protection accommodation , and to reduce reliance on commercial providers over time.
The recent decision to purchase the Citywest Hotel and Convention Centre is an example of progress being made on the development of State-owned accommodation. In terms of other potential purchases, an Expression of Interest (EOI) process was launched in 2024 for the sourcing of suitable properties for acquisition or lease. 134 submissions have been received to date, and these options are being assessed.
As developing more state-owned accommodation options will take time, the commissioning of emergency commercial accommodation will continue to be a feature in the short to medium term.
The Department receives offers on an ongoing basis from external commercial providers, and does not predetermine their geographical location. Offers may also be received from providers who have previously provided State-supported accommodation to people from Ukraine, as these contracts are coming to an end in many locations.
All offers of international protection accommodation are reviewed by the Department under a standardised appraisal procedure. Factors in the appraisal of international protection accommodation include the site and its potential, the value for money it offers, planning matters and any works required to meet the required standards.
Consideration is also given to the location and locality, access to services, resident welfare, health and wellbeing, and the current level of need in the sector. Part of the appraisal process for a new contract includes review of the property’s services and planning compliance, and this done in conjunction with the Local Authority where relevant. A large volume of offers of accommodation are received and many are not successful for a variety of reasons including:
• The International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) may deem a premises unsuitable for accommodation
• The premises may not be compliant with relevant statutory regulations
• IPPS and the prospective provider may not agree to contract terms
• The prospective provider may withdraw the offer during the appraisal process
The timeline for review of a property varies, but the Community Engagement Team can provide updates on specific properties for elected representatives as needed.
A range of steps are being taken to reform the international protection system overall, reducing processing times, providing applicants with a faster and more efficient decision process and in turn reducing the scale of demand for accommodation in the longer-term.
This strategic approach will align with implementation of the Migration Pact across EU Member States, including Ireland, in mid 2026.
