Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2026
237. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of persons which have been accommodated in designated accommodation centres since the introduction of the 30-day accommodation policy on 10 November 2025. [10753/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra240. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department is tracking the accommodation pathways of beneficiaries of temporary protection leaving designated accommodation centres; and if so, the number of persons who have entered alternative accommodation in Ireland. [10756/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra242. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the capacity of the State’s designated accommodation centres; and the current occupancy rate. [10758/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 237, 240 and 242 together.
I propose to take PQs 237 , 240 and 242 together.
From 10 November 2025, beneficiaries of temporary protection who seek State-supported accommodation are now offered accommodation for a maximum of 30 days and are provided with food, services and integration supports in six specific Designated Accommodation Centres (DACs), which currently have the capacity to accommodate approximately 1,800 persons. Previously the persons resident at these centres were officered accommodation for a maximum of 90 days.
In the period from 10 November 2025 to 6 February 2026, a total of 886 individuals were accommodated in these time-bound DACs (in addition to those already resident prior to 10 November). There are currently 150 persons resident in these centres, down from 1,791 at end October 2025.
The Deputy will be aware that it was necessary to increase the capacity within these centres after an increase in new arrivals from Ukraine towards the end of the Summer of 2025. Now that the rate of arrival has significantly reduced, officials in the Department are in the process of winding down contracts for a number of these 30-day DACs. While the existing trends are downward, these numbers have fluctuated previously so maintaining some reserve capacity in DACs is considered prudent. This will be kept under ongoing review.
There is no requirement for individuals leaving DACs to provide details of their onward destinations. However, from the data available, it appears that 60% of people that have departed a DAC have found accommodation through a private arrangement and 26% have availed of a government scheme such as Offer a Home. The remainder have travelled from Ireland or chosen not to report on their arrangements.
