Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
607. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if persons whose applications for International Protection are still being assessed, are being accommodated in social housing or in State supported private rental accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51837/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018, international protection applicants are provided with material reception conditions, including housing, food, clothing and a Daily Expenses Allowance (DEA).
International protection applicants do not have access to standard social welfare, social housing, housing benefits or emergency homeless accommodation.
The International Protection Accommodation Service is currently accommodating almost 33,000 residents in 301 international protection accommodation centres around the country. These accommodation centres are dedicated to IPAS use and are separate from social housing or private rented accommodation.
The great majority of IPAS accommodation capacity, which can be commercially contracted or State-owned, is located in group settings in larger properties, like former hotels, guesthouses, commercial and institutional buildings. A small proportion of more vulnerable applicants may be accommodated in smaller scale properties.
In line with the Programme for Government 2025 the State is working to develop more State-owned international protection accommodation and reduce reliance on commercially contracted accommodation.
The new International Protection Act 2026 gives effect to the measures of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact and has passed into law. The new rules came into effect on 12 June. Reforming and speeding up processing of applications should also serve over time to reduce the scale of the demand for international protection accommodation.
