Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 478 and 480 together.

Ireland is currently accommodating more than 100,000 people between those fleeing Ukraine and International Protection (IP) applicants.

This includes over 74,000 Ukrainian people who have sought accommodation from the State and over 26,000 IPAs currently in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation.

The total spend on International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation in 2022 was €356m. There were 19,202 people in IPAS accommodation on 31st December 2022.

At a year-end average of overall cost divided by the number of people residing in IPAS accommodation, the average annual figure for keeping an International Protection (IP) applicant in IPAS accommodation for one year was €18,568.59.

As at 24th November 2023, the total spend on IPAS accommodation is €617m. It is anticipated that a further spend of €544,000 will be required, by year-end.

The payment of IPAS accommodation is based on contracted capacity rather than individual occupancy. The number of people who are resident in IPAS accommodation will vary day to day throughout the year as the number of daily arrivals increase on a cumulative basis.

The Department is conscious of the need to ensure quality in all accommodation contracted, while also providing shelter and safety urgently to those who need it. In considering offers, the Department takes into account a range of factors such as accommodation suitability, rates, capacity and amenities. Every effort is being made to activate suitable accommodation offers.

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is currently accommodating 26,000 people in over 200 accommodation centres throughout Ireland. Of these people, approximately 6,000 have been granted International Protection or a Leave to Remain.

Under The European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018, those who have had their application determined are no longer entitled to Material Reception conditions. However, IPAS continues to accommodate those with status, until such time that they progress into the community.

IPAS has a specific Transition team who work in collaboration with DePaul Ireland, the Peter McVerry Trust, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Local Authorities to support residents with status to exit IPAS accommodation and access other housing options. Those with status have the same housing entitlements as Irish Citizens and are supported to register with a Local Authority and, if required, to avail of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) to secure alternative accommodation. In addition, those with status have the same social welfare entitlements as Irish citizens.

Those with status for the greatest length of time are currently being offered a transfer to alternative emergency accommodation. Those being offered this transfer have been granted status for at least 18 months.

This process began in September 2022, beginning with single applicants with status for over 3 years. Currently singles/couples with status over 18 months have been notified of the offer of emergency accommodation, if they have been unable to source accommodation within 6 weeks of the dated letter.

All those with International Protection/Permission to Remain are written to once status has been granted and are advised they must now seek alternative accommodation. They are also advised that the supports of Peter McVerry Trust/DePaul are available to them. In the past 18 months, over 2,000 people with status have left IPAS accommodation and progressed into the community.

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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When a person asks for asylum at the border of a country, that country’s authorities must examine the application. Those seeking asylum in Ireland must make an application for International Protection (IP). The claim is examined by the International Protection Office (IPO), which falls under the aegis of the Department of Justice.

The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is responsible for the provision of accommodation and related services to IP applicants who wish to accept the offer of accommodation from the Irish State.

This offering includes all meals and utilities. Full access to public medical services is provided and a weekly personal allowance is also paid to each person.

After six months, IP applicants are eligible to work if they have not received a first instance decision on their application. Labour market access was introduced in June 2018 for all applicants who have not had a first decision on their claim within 9 months. In January 2021 a new measure was introduced allowing applicants to access the labour market 6 months after they make their application, and extending their permission to work to 12 months (up from 6 months). Labour market access is a matter for the Department of Justice.

IPAS does not request a contribution from those residing in IPAS accommodation centres.

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I thank the Deputy for his question. This information will be provided directly to the Deputy in the coming days.