Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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1960. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if buildings being used for IPAS have to meet up-to-date fire and building regulations before they are occupied. [21061/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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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%.

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.

Once a new 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.

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. Compliance with building and fire regulations, and verification of these by the relevant Local Authority, is a requirement for IPAS Accommodation Centres.

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.

IPAS accommodation is subject to rigorous inspection and oversight, and centres are contractually obligated to be maintained to national standards, with independent inspection and quality control through HIQA or through IPAS inspections.

The Department carefully appraises each new property that is offered for use as accommodation for international protection applicants before contracts are negotiated and agreed, and properties are subject to pre-occupancy inspections to ensure they are adhering to the requisite standards. Continued adherence to agreed standards for centres are ensured via routine inspections conducted upon opening.