Migration minister reveals significant crackdown on illegal immigration as well as a raft of measures including shutting down IPAS centres – but it will also make life difficult for some Ukrainians fleeing war
Ireland’s Government plans to reduce the number of accommodation centres for asylum seekers and increase chartered deportation flights as part of a tougher approach to immigration. Migration Minister Colm Brophy said the measures are intended to make the asylum system more sustainable and reduce costs, while new legislation would require asylum seekers earning wages in State accommodation to contribute towards their rent.
The article reports that accommodation providers received more than €317 million from April to June, while annual asylum spending reached €1.27 billion last year, up from €191 million in 2021. The Budget projects a €682 million reduction in housing costs for asylum seekers and Ukrainian refugees this year, alongside a €2 million increase in funding for immigration and protection programmes. Under new arrangements, Ukrainians may remain in Ireland only if they are not living in State-supported accommodation; the EU Migration Pact has also reduced average applications from 53 to 32 a day, according to Brophy.
- Ireland plans fewer asylum accommodation centres and more deportation flights.
- New rules would require some asylum seekers in work to pay rent.
- Ukrainians must leave State-supported accommodation to remain under a new pathway.
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Ireland’s International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) arranges housing for people seeking asylum while their claims are considered. The State also provides accommodation and support to many people who fled Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These systems have expanded as arrivals and housing costs have risen.
Colm Brophy is the minister responsible for migration and international protection. The Government says it wants to manage the cost and capacity of accommodation while processing asylum claims and enforcing decisions to leave Ireland. New EU rules under the Migration Pact also affect how asylum applications are handled.
Changes to accommodation and support can affect people differently depending on their status and circumstances. For Ukrainians, access to remain in Ireland under the reported arrangements is linked to whether they live in State-supported accommodation.
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The case for
Supporters could argue that reducing accommodation costs, requiring residents with earnings to contribute to rent and increasing deportation flights make the asylum system more sustainable and its rules more credible. They may see this as necessary to manage public resources fairly, especially given the reported rise in spending, while retaining protection for people who qualify for it.
The case against
Critics could argue that closing accommodation centres and tightening conditions for Ukrainians risks adding insecurity for people fleeing war and making it harder for asylum seekers to access stable support. They may also question whether cost savings and more deportations are being prioritised over humane treatment and careful assessment of individual protection claims.