Ireland’s Asylum System: Report Highlights Oversight Gaps & Poor Conditions

Ireland’s system for accommodating asylum seekers is effectively operating as a two-tiered structure, with significant gaps in oversight and regulation, according to new research published this week. The study, led by the Irish Centre for Human Rights in Galway on behalf of migrant support organization Doras, highlights concerns around overcrowding and a lack of consistent standards between permanent and emergency accommodation centers.

The report, titled ‘The Reception Gap: Permanent International Protection Accommodation versus Emergency Accommodation’, is based on a survey of 246 residents, peer-led groups, and interviews. A significant portion of those surveyed – 24 participants – had been in the Irish international protection system for over a year, reporting issues with food quality, a lack of privacy, and being housed in facilities intended for short-term stays for extended periods. This situation is unfolding as Ireland prepares to implement the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, adding urgency to the need for reform.

The Shifting Landscape of IPAS Oversight

The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is responsible for providing accommodation to people seeking international protection in Ireland. However, the research points to a growing reliance on emergency accommodation, often provided through contracts with the hospitality sector, which is subject to significantly less scrutiny than permanent IPAS centers. This shift is further complicated by changes in contracts between service providers and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration.

Currently, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) inspects 30 IPAS centers, representing roughly 10% of all accommodation settings for asylum seekers. This is down from 45 centers inspected in January 2025. The reduction isn’t due to a shrinking population within the system, but rather a move by providers towards emergency accommodation – a sector where HIQA currently has no legal authority to monitor or inspect. RTE.ie reports on the findings.

Doras is calling for emergency accommodation to be used strictly as a last resort and for the regulatory gap to be addressed “as a matter of urgency.” CEO John Lannon emphasized the inappropriateness of relying on the hospitality sector to manage the complex needs of individuals who have often experienced trauma. “They are not hotel guests, these are children, men and women who need trauma-informed, trained staff to support their integration needs. The system is simply not fit for purpose,” Lannon stated.

Financial Implications and the Role of Private Providers

Although the precise financial details of the contracts between the Department of Justice and accommodation providers aren’t publicly available, the increasing reliance on emergency accommodation likely represents a shift in expenditure. Emergency accommodation, often utilizing hotels and guesthouses, typically carries a higher per-person cost than longer-term, purpose-built centers. This is due to factors like nightly rates and the need for more flexible service arrangements.

The Institute of Race Relations has previously published research detailing the companies profiting from the Direct Provision and IPAS systems. Understanding the financial flows within these arrangements is crucial for assessing the overall cost-effectiveness and accountability of the asylum accommodation process. The shift towards emergency accommodation could potentially benefit these private providers, while simultaneously increasing costs for the State.

Impact on Asylum Seekers and Integration

The lack of consistent standards and oversight in emergency accommodation has a direct impact on the well-being and integration prospects of asylum seekers. Prolonged stays in overcrowded or unsuitable conditions can exacerbate trauma, hinder access to essential services, and impede the learning of English and other skills necessary for successful integration into Irish society. The report’s findings underscore the importance of providing safe, dignified, and appropriately supported accommodation as a foundation for a fair and effective asylum process.

The concerns raised by Doras align with broader international human rights standards regarding the treatment of asylum seekers. The Council of Europe, for example, emphasizes the need for adequate reception conditions, including access to healthcare, education, and legal assistance. Ireland’s current two-tiered system risks falling short of these standards, potentially leading to legal challenges and reputational damage.

HIQA’s Limited Mandate and Calls for Expansion

The report recommends that HIQA be granted an expanded statutory remit to inspect all international protection accommodation, including emergency and short-term provision. Currently, HIQA’s inspections are limited to permanent IPAS centers, leaving a significant portion of the system unmonitored. Expanding HIQA’s mandate would provide greater assurance of quality and safety across all accommodation settings.

However, expanding HIQA’s remit would require legislative changes and additional resources. The Department of Justice would need to amend existing legislation to grant HIQA the necessary authority, and HIQA itself would need to increase its inspection capacity to cover the expanded scope. This represents a potential cost for the State, but one that advocates argue is justified by the need to protect the rights and well-being of asylum seekers.

What’s Next for the IPAS System?

The publication of this report comes at a critical juncture, as Ireland prepares to implement the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. The Pact aims to establish a more harmonized and efficient system for managing asylum applications across the European Union. Ireland’s ability to effectively implement the Pact will depend, in part, on its ability to address the shortcomings in its own asylum accommodation system.

The Department of Justice is currently reviewing the report’s recommendations and is expected to outline its response in the coming months. Key areas to watch include any proposed legislative changes to expand HIQA’s mandate, adjustments to contracting arrangements with accommodation providers, and investments in longer-term, purpose-built accommodation centers. The ongoing monitoring of HIQA’s inspection coverage – and any shifts in the balance between permanent and emergency accommodation – will also be crucial indicators of progress.