Irish Refugee Council criticises proposed changes to accommodation for asylum seekers

The Irish Refugee Council has criticised proposed changes affecting people living in the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) system, warning that the measures would place an unfair burden on individuals seeking protection. The organisation said that requiring people in IPAS accommodation to contribute financially amounts to making residents pay for the State’s failure to provide adequate, publicly-run housing. It said the policy is unjust and unsustainable, particularly while the government continues to rely heavily on costly, profit-driven and often substandard accommodation.

The council noted that many people in the international protection system already live in poverty. It warned that requiring residents to pay up to 40% of their income could push individuals and families further into hardship, prolong their time in the system and make it more difficult for them to build independent lives. The organisation added that many people who have already received status remain in IPAS accommodation because of the shortage of affordable housing.

The Irish Refugee Council said that instead of addressing long-standing failures in housing policy, the government is shifting the burden onto people with the least power. The organisation also expressed concern about proposed restrictions or additional conditions relating to family reunification. It said such measures could deepen isolation for people who have already experienced trauma and would undermine ongoing integration efforts led by local authorities, civic organisations and community groups.

The council further criticised proposals to extend the qualification period for citizenship from 3 to 5 years, saying the change is unnecessary and would delay people’s ability to fully participate in Irish society.

Overall, the organisation warned that the combined measures would make life more difficult for people seeking safety in Ireland and risk undermining the State’s obligations under international human rights standards to provide adequate reception conditions. It said Ireland should not follow approaches seen in the United Kingdom but should instead uphold an asylum system grounded in international human rights obligations.