The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department are currently not in a position to transfer residents between accommodation centres on request. All non-essential transfers are suspended due to the ongoing Covid-19 emergency and based on Public Health advice. Once Public Health advises that such restrictions can be lifted, residents will be informed and can then apply for transfers to other locations.
The International Protection applicant referred to by the Deputy was considered to be in suitable accommodation for their circumstances at the time that they were assigned the accommodation space. Unfortunately, it is also the case that there is no accommodation space available in their preferred location at this time. As the Deputy will appreciate, there is significant demand for any available spaces within the greater Dublin region but such spaces are limited because of the cost of such accommodation and because contractors have not offered accommodation to IPAS for use for accommodating applicants for International Protection.