Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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138. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he has concerns for the safety of homeless asylum seekers in light of racist attacks; the action he will take to protect them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68248/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is determined to stamp out hate-motivated crimes and to protect vulnerable communities.

The Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024 came into effect at the start of this year. The new legislation provides for increased prison sentences for certain crimes, where they are proven to be motivated by hatred, or where hatred is demonstrated based on the identity of the victims.

I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána takes hate crime very seriously. Every hate crime reported to An Garda Síochána is professionally investigated and victims supported during the criminal justice process.

An Garda Síochána has an extensive network of nearly 600 trained Garda Diversity Officers who can engage with communities and individuals on a daily basis to provide them with re-assurance and address issues of concern for them. Gardaí also actively engage with representative and advocacy groups to support minority and diverse communities in Ireland.

There is ongoing pressure on availability of accommodation in the international protection system, particularly in accommodation for single male applicants, with new arrivals each week. IPAS remains unable to make an offer to all single male applicants, as the limited number of available beds must be available as contingency for those who are most vulnerable on arrival.

People who are not offered accommodation on arrival are given an enhanced weekly payment, an additional €75 per week compared to those who are offered accommodation.

IPAS has put arrangements in place with a range of NGO partners to provide drop-in day services so people can access facilities including hot showers, meals and laundry services.

IPAS can currently make offers of accommodation to any applicant who is rough-sleeping, identified through outreach that is organised 7 days a week.

Since March 2025, IPAS has been able to review the cases of people who are awaiting an offer of accommodation and make retrospective offers to those who have been waiting longest. The review has reduced the number of unaccommodated people from over 3,500 in March to 613 in October 2025.

Depending on the availability of accommodation, it is hoped that these offers can continue to be made to those without an offer of accommodation.