All centres are subject to inspection by department officials or contracted representatives of the department.
There was a Request for Tender in relation to inspections of centres in late 2023. The successful bidder was EOBA Ltd. The previous contract holder of such inspections was QTS Ltd.
There have been no failed inspections in 2023/2024. In 2024 to date, there were two centres notified that following inspection, improvements were required to maintain the agreed terms of the contract.
In relation to the centres inspected in 2023; 55 were inspected by IPPS and 50 by QTS Ltd - a total of 105 inspections. As of 22 April 2024, 35 inspections have been conducted by IPPS and a batch of 20 have been allocated to EOBA Ltd; we are awaiting the first round of reports.
The Department carefully appraises each property before contracts are issued and properties are also subject to pre-occupancy inspections.
The Department is conscious of the need to ensure quality in all accommodation contracted, while also providing shelter and safety urgently to those who need it. Once an offer is received with respect to accommodation for international protection (IP) applicants, it is assessed for suitability. This includes a range of factors such as accommodation suitability, rates, room sizes, capacity and amenities, information on the building's safety and fitness for occupancy, and various other criteria such as Wi-Fi, security provision and staffing.
Resident clinics also provide IPAS officials with an opportunity to review and examine centres and their general operation and pass any findings on for follow up through the formal inspection process.
Details of IPAS Inspection Reports are published by the Department and can be found at:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/534c2-ipas-inspection-reports/
