Ireland’s International Protection Accommodation Costs Surge Past €1 Billion
Ireland’s annual spending on accommodating International Protection (IP) applicants exceeded €1 billion for the first time in 2023, a 54% increase from 2022. These figures, revealed by Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Norma Foley TD, show a significant strain on the nation’s resources as the number of IP applicants continues to rise.
Daily Costs and Continual Rise
The daily average spend on IP accommodation reached €2.75 million in 2023. Since 2019, the State has dedicated €2.5 billion to housing IP applicants, a stark contrast to the €129 million spent in 2019. This year, the average daily cost per individual applicant increased by 9% to €84. Ms. Foley explained that these fluctuations are influenced by several factors, including the number of residents and the type of accommodation centres used.
Nationalities and Accommodation Statistics
The most recent IPAS figures highlight the top nationalities seeking IP accommodation. Nigerians remain the largest group with 6,914 individuals, followed by Georgians (3,072), Algerians (2,733), Somalis (2,388), and Zimbabweans (2,209). Other significant groups include Jordanians, Afghans, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, and South Africans.
IPAS also reveals that a significant number of applicants come from the Palestinian Territory – Occupied. It is important to note that South Africa, Georgia, and Algeria have "Safe Country" designations.
A Growing Need for Accommodation
Ms. Foley stressed the urgent need for accommodation. Data shows that in 2021, IPAS housed just over 7,000 individuals, while today, nearly 33,000 IP applicants rely on state-provided accommodation. Approximately 9,000 of these individuals are children living with their families.
Ms. Foley emphasizes that "providing reception conditions – accommodation and other basic supports – to people seeking international protection is part of Irish and EU law and is also part of our humanitarian duty to provide shelter to people fleeing war and persecution in their home country".
The Irish government is actively working towards developing a sustainable accommodation system, aiming to reduce reliance on commercial providers in the future.
Support for Ukrainians:
In addition to IP accommodation, Ireland has also implemented a program for Ukrainian refugees arriving under the EU Temporary Protection Directive. Since 2022, the state has paid €239 million to 22,399 accommodation providers for hosting 49,840 beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs).
Want to Learn More About IP Accommodation in Ireland?
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