International Protection

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2024

Tuesday, 21 May 2024

Questions (521)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

521. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide details of the current number of international protection applicants who are currently in IPAS accommodation awaiting either a decision on their international protection application or their application for leave to remain; the number who had been granted status either international protection or leave to remain; the number who had received a deportation order; the number who do not fall within any of the foregoing categories up to the end of March 2024; if he will outline the basis upon which the latter group is provided accommodation by IPAS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22636/24]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As of 12th May 2024 there are 30,256 people accommodated in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) system as a whole (of whom 7,356 are children) compared with approximately 8,700 people at the end of February 2022.

There were 5,644 people with status in IPAS accommodation at the end of April 2024, this leaves approximately 24,600 people awaiting a decision.

Under The European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018, those who have had their application determined are no longer entitled to Material Reception conditions. However, IPAS continues to accommodate those with status, until such time that they progress into the community.

The Department of Justice advises the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) after an application for International Protection has been determined. When an applicant is not successful in gaining leave to remain or status and a Deportation Order has been signed, the Department of Justice so advises IPAS. This is to allow the transition of the unsuccessful applicant from IPAS accommodation, if they have not already exited of their own volition. Information on the number of applicants in IPAS accommodation with a pending Deportation Order is a matter for the Department of Justice.