The Irish government has confirmed that 10,000 refugees who were previously living in state-run asylum accommodation have moved into community housing over the past three years. The disclosure was made by Jim O’Callaghan, Ireland’s Justice Minister, in a written response to a parliamentary question.
According to the minister, around 4,000 people moved into housing in the past year alone. He said refugees who have been formally granted protection do not have a legal right to remain in IPAS centres, making it necessary for the state to source accommodation for them. The centres are run under the International Protection Accommodation Service.
The issue was raised by Cian O’Callaghan, a Social Democrats TD, who sought details on how the state supports refugees with serious medical needs.
The figures have fuelled wider political debate amid Ireland’s ongoing housing crisis, where Irish citizens and migrant workers also face severe shortages and rising rents. While some groups claim refugee housing is contributing to reduced availability and higher prices, the government maintains that international protection recipients must be moved out of emergency centres once their status is approved. Tens of thousands of asylum seekers remain in IPAS centres awaiting decisions.