The state can no longer provide accommodation for all international protection applicants with Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman saying it is “likely” supply will run out “in the next number of days.”
Women and child applicants will continue to be accommodated as well as families and individuals deemed most vulnerable.
Male applicants without accommodation can access services – including showers, meals and laundry – at drop-in centres where they will also be provided with tents and sleeping bags upon request.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth highlighted that Ireland is currently accommodating over 100,000 people including Ukrainian refugees and international protection (IP) applicants.
“This includes over 74,000 Ukrainian people who have sought accommodation from the state and nearly 26,000 IP applicants currently in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation,” a spokesperson for the department said in a statement.
“Despite intensive efforts to source emergency accommodation, the department is currently not in a position to provide accommodation to all international protection applicants due to the severe shortage.
“Department officials are working to bring more bed spaces into use, and since January 2022 have brought over 10,000 bed spaces into use to accommodate those who arrive in Ireland seeking international protection (IP).
“Various issues beyond the control of the department have resulted in offers not being progressed, and accommodation not contracted, swiftly enough to meet the demand.”
The aforementioned drop-in centres for unaccommodated IP applicants will operate seven days a week.
The department spokesperson said: “Currently this department has agreements with two charities to provide these services in Dublin in the event that they are needed.
“All unaccommodated IP applicants will be provided with the contact details for IPAS and with information on accessing health and other public services in Ireland.
“The department will work closely with the HSE to ensure that health services are provided to all those in need.
“All IP applicants who present to the International Protection Office (IPO) during an unaccommodated period will be assessed by IPAS and HSE staff for significant vulnerabilities and health issues, and prioritised for accommodation as necessary.”
