Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2026
234. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his attention has been drawn to the case of an international protection applicant (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13209/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile I cannot comment on individual cases, I can confirm to the Deputy that officials in my Department are aware of this case and it is receiving attention.
In order to protect the privacy of people applying for international protection, the Department does not provide operational information about relocations between International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres.
During their period in IPAS accommodation, people may have to move to alternative centres for a variety of reasons, including family needs, renovations, regulatory or compliance issues at their accommodation, and pressures on capacity within the system overall.
On arrival at an accommodation centre, people seeking international protection are provided with the ‘IPAS House Rules’ which explains the rules and procedures that are designed to make reception and accommodation centres safe and effective.
Should there be a breach of house rules, Section 6 of European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018 sets out measures that the Department may take when an individual “has committed, or is committing, a serious breach of the house rules of the place of accommodation”.
Usually there are a series of reminders about the house rules and or warnings. If breaches continue, it can be necessary to relocate people following repeated warnings.
Guidelines are in place for IPAS staff and Department officials in relation to responding quickly to any incidents, taking action to ensure people are safe.
Centre management in all IPAS centres all have an ongoing working relationship with the local Gardaí. If there is ever any concern in relation to acts of violence or other criminal activity in any IPAS setting, An Garda Síochána are contacted.
The IPAS House Rules policy can be found at this link:
www.gov.ie/en/international-protection-accommodation-services-ipas/publications/house-rules-and-procedures/
In some instances, residents may be asked to move accommodation as part of a documented process to support health and safety of residents and manage breaches of agreed rules within the accommodation centre.
Finally, should international protection applicants have any concerns in relation to any element of their accommodation, they can contact IPAS directly via a dedicated helpdesk at: ipasinbox@justice.ie
