A comprehensive report by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has exposed significant deficiencies in the management and oversight of International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres across Ireland, raising serious concerns about resident safety and operational standards.
The report, based on 60 inspections across 51 centres, revealed alarming statistics about staff vetting and centre management. Crucially, 35% of staff were found to be improperly Garda vetted, with inspectors highlighting this as an issue requiring “urgent attention”. Additionally, 37% of centres lacked established policies to protect residents from potential harm and abuse.
More troubling findings include that 61% of accommodation centres did not have systems to assess residents’ needs and vulnerabilities, while 45% failed to monitor residents with special reception requirements. The transition from traditional hospitality services to accommodation providers has significantly challenged many centres, resulting in substandard governance and oversight.
Bronagh Gibson, HIQA’s Head of Programme for Monitoring IPAS Centres, emphasized that the current international protection accommodation system is not adequately resourced to meet existing demand.
The report wasn’t entirely negative, noting that many centres maintained good standards and most residents reported generally positive experiences. However, the systemic issues identified present significant challenges for ensuring resident safety and welfare.
A particularly striking statistic revealed that 41% of residents in inspected centres had already received refugee status or valid permission to remain in Ireland but continued to live in these accommodation centres due to a lack of alternative housing options.
According to The Journal, these findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reform in Ireland’s international protection accommodation services, with particular emphasis on improving staff vetting procedures, establishing robust protective policies, and developing more effective systems for assessing and supporting vulnerable residents.
The report serves as a critical wake-up call for policymakers, highlighting the immediate necessity of addressing these structural weaknesses to ensure the safety, dignity, and proper support of individuals seeking international protection in Ireland.