Numbers in State accommodation for asylum seekers doubles to over 20,000

Noel Baker

The number of people in State accommodation for asylum seekers has doubled over the past year and moved past 20,000 for the first time.

More than a quarter of this number are still in the direct-provision system despite securing their status to remain in the country.

Latest figures show that as of March 5th, 20,001 people were in accommodation provided by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) – almost double what it was at the end of March 2022 and almost four times the figure in June 2018.

The latest figure also includes 4,096 children.

While almost 7,000 people were in IPAS direct-provision accommodation centres, far more – 11,709 people – were in emergency accommodation centres, consisting mostly of hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses.

The latest weekly report also shows that 79 people were in temporary tented accommodation.

In February IPAS was unable to offer accommodation to 255 people, although 103 were subsequently offered accommodation.

However, the monthly report for February shows that 5,064 people with status to live in Ireland remained in IPAS accommodation. Just 118 people with status moved out of IPAS accommodation in February, and last year 3,903 people were granted status but just 733 people with status left IPAS accommodation.

Fiona Hurley, the chief executive of migrant rights centre Nasc, said: “It is likely that many of the 5,000 are unable to find affordable housing, and this is certainly the experience for service users at Nasc.

“It can be very difficult to find a landlord willing to accept a tenant who does not already have a history in the private rental market and the ability to provide references from previous landlords.”

This year so far has seen an average of 24 arrivals each day, although in recent weeks the rate of arrival has slowed, having peaked in late December when some 450 people arrived in the last week of the year.

Ms Hurley said: “People with medical needs are less likely to find accommodation that meets those needs, and transfers between centres are almost impossible. Families with children are more likely to be sharing one room.”

Ms Hurley said there was a need to prioritise sustainable, mid- and longer-term housing strategies to prevent delays and further homelessness in the months and years ahead.

“The Government recently announced plans to develop three accommodation centres on State land, with the potential to provide 400 beds,” she said.

“We understand the urgent need to deliver accommodation solutions, but it is essential that new developments are in line with commitments under the White Paper on Ending Direct Provision. Reception centres for newly arriving international protection applicants should have built-in integration supports from day one.”