Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
790. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether his Department operates a defined accommodation capacity threshold for international protection applicants; if not, the rationale for the absence of such a threshold; the way in which intake levels are aligned with available accommodation capacity and public expenditure limits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9388/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraProviding reception conditions to people who are applying for international protection is part of EU and Irish law. The State is currently accommodating over 33,000 people seeking international protection in 311 International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres around the country.
This service is demand-led and provided under EU Regulations, and as such is not subject to a defined threshold as asked in the question. However, Government policy in relation to international protection overall, including accommodation, is to reform the system and speed up processing of applications. This will have the effect of reducing demand for and therefore costs to the State of accommodation.
The unprecedented increase in applications for asylum from 2022 to 2024 placed intense pressure on the accommodation system. It also gave rise to an undesirable situation where the State became increasingly dependent on private providers of accommodation.
Total IPAS resident numbers have been steady since the end of 2024, at around 33,000, after consistent and steep growth since 2022.
Individual people and family groups are moving into, and out of, IPAS accommodation every week. It is a very dynamic system, with more than 1,000 new applications every month, and on average 500 people moving into, out of, and around the accommodation system on a weekly basis.
Entrances to and exits from the IPAS accommodation system are restricted due to pressure on suitable capacity for new arrivals, particularly single male applicants, and due to people who have completed their application process finding it hard to source accommodation outside the IPAS system.
In 2026, the IPAS system is working toward a goal of having 15% of beds available at any given time. This is a European Union good practice measure, to ensure efficient operations and allow for the daily and weekly movement of new and existing residents, and forward planning.
This model is similar to accommodation models in other countries, and in sectors like healthcare and hospitality, where accommodation requires daily management. IPAS will continue working towards the goal of 15% available capacity over the coming year.
