Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1386. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps taken by her Department when deciding on the location of an international protection accommodation services centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11683/25]

Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1387. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the criteria that must be met when an individual applies for an international protection accommodation services contract; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11684/25]

Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1388. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if residency of tenants in a building earmarked for an international protection accommodation services centre is considered during the process of its founding; if tenants are consulted on the establishment of said centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11685/25]

Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1389. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if tenants evicted due to the earmarking of an international protection accommodation services centre are offered pathways back to residency in that dwelling if a centre is ultimately not established; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11686/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1386 to 1389, inclusive, together.

The basis of applying for asylum or refugee status is fleeing war or persecution in one’s home country. As an international protection applicant, people are entitled to shelter and support under both Irish and EU law.Ireland has seen a sharp increase in numbers of people applying for international protection over recent years. We provide accommodation for over 33,000 people today. Since 2021, when we provided 7,000 places, this demand-led system has had to grow by over 400%.

Pressure on accommodation availability of all types in Ireland is extremely high. The Department has extended all teams to try to meet this always-growing demand, yet despite this effort, we don’t have enough capacity for all applicants, and over 3,500 people are without an offer of accommodation since 2023.

Offers of accommodation and appraisal

At this time, given the rapid increase in demand over recent years, the Department has not been in a position to refuse offers of suitable accommodation that meet our requirements.

The contracting of properties as emergency centres is partly dependent on the receipt of offers from external providers, and the Department cannot predetermine their geographical location.

In meeting our obligation to provide material reception conditions to people seeking international protection, the Department can consider offers of accommodation from a tax-compliant company, subject to compliance with statutory requirements and minimum standards.

The Department carries out due diligence on accommodation being contracted including checks via the Companies Registration Office to ensure compliance with Companies Registration Office (CRO) requirements and tax compliance checks by way of a valid Tax Clearance Certificate.

Once an offer is received with respect to accommodation for international protection applicants, it is assessed for suitability. This includes a range of factors such as previous use of the property, accommodation suitability, rates, room sizes, capacity and amenities, information on the building's safety and fitness for occupancy, and various other criteria such as Wi-Fi, security provision and staffing.

In all instances where the Department enters into a contract with an accommodation provider, the onus is on the provider to ensure all activities are within legal limits.

Furthermore, all statutory requirements relating to the establishment and management of accommodation are met by the service provider, including health and safety, fire, building regulations and other requirements.

Properties with tenants or residents

The Department is not aware of significant evidence of or a trend in tenants or residents being removed from private rented accommodation in order to provide offers of accommodation for use as IPAS accommodation.

When properties are offered to the Department for accommodation for people seeking international protection, checks with local authorities are undertaken in every instance, and if it is brought to our attention and verified that this has happened, the offer will be rejected.

The current focus is on developing State-owned accommodation from a range of sources, building a sustainable system and reducing reliance on commercial providers over time.

The Department also aims to gain far greater control over dispersal patterns and to further enhance engagement with local communities and planning authorities.

In the interim, there will remain a need to continue to develop emergency accommodation solutions to meet urgent demand and ensure people are provided with shelter and support.