Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Ireland is now accommodating over 100,000 people between those fleeing Ukraine and International Protection (IP) applicants. This includes over 75,000 Ukrainian people who have sought accommodation from the State and over 27,000 IP applicants currently in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation.

This is a nationwide urgent situation and centres have been opened in all parts of the country. All of the limited accommodation capacity within the IPAS system is currently being used. While demand continues to outstrip supply, the Department on behalf of the Government, is doing all it can to ensure that all families and children have been accommodated.

Racket Hall, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, has been in operation as a centre since January 2024 and is providing accommodation for families with children.

There is currently no plan or agreement in place for the property to operate under a dual use model. The dual use model presents significant challenges, such as child protection and safety.

The health and wellbeing of all people who avail of accommodation provided by this Department is of the highest priority. IPAS accommodation centres fall within the meaning of a “relevant service provider” for the purposes of the Children First Act 2015 and are required to provide child-safeguarding Statements for their compliance with the Children First Act. Currently, children are only accommodated in centres deemed suitable for families; accommodation assignments are based on overall availability within the IPAS portfolio and family configurations.