Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
543. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of legal cases taken against his Department or the International Protection Accommodation Service by accommodation providers that have been settled in each of the years 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the total cost of those settlements; the number of cases currently at pre-litigation stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47713/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State is currently accommodating international protection applicants in over 300 accommodation centres around the country.
A small number of accommodation providers, or potential providers, initiated High Court proceedings against the Minister between 2025 and 2026.
Five such proceedings have been initiated where the Department had received an offer of international protection accommodation, had entered into a pre-contract arrangement, and subsequently made the decision not to proceed with those accommodation contracts. Three of these cases have now been settled and closed. Two sets of proceedings remain before the Courts.
One additional set of proceedings has been initiated by an accommodation provider, where no contractual arrangements were in place, and this matter also remains before the Courts.
Given that some of these matters remain before the courts, disclosing details of financial settlement amounts or other information, in respect of any case, may have the potential to limit the State in completing its defence of such claims, or in negotiations associated with these actions.
In respect of potential liabilities, all expenditure by the Department will form part of the 2026 Appropriation Account and will be subject to review by the Comptroller and Auditor General in the usual manner. The existence of these cases has also been noted in the 2025 Appropriation Account which has been submitted to the C&AG.
