Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published nine inspection reports on International Protection Accommodation Service centres. 

International Protection Accommodation Service centres, formerly known as direct provision centres, provide accommodation for people seeking international protection in Ireland.

HIQA inspects the quality and safety of these services against the National Standards for accommodation offered to people in the protection process (2019).

Reports have been published on:

• Ashbourne House, Co. Cork
• Atlas Tralee, Co. Kerry
• Cúirt Uisce Accommodation Centre, Co. Galway
• Davis Lane, Co. Cork
• Griffin House, Co. Limerick
• Hibernian Hotel, Co. Laois
• Marian Hostel, Co. Offaly
• Port Road Apartments, Co. Donegal 
• The Towers, Co. Dublin

Three of the services that were inspected – Atlas Tralee, Cúirt Uisce Accommodation Centre, and Port Road Apartments – were found to have no non-compliances identified against the standards. The remaining six had varying levels of compliance.

Across the inspections conducted, inspectors found examples of good practice, including: facilities for cooking and preparing meals and residents working or volunteering in the community. There were examples of space for children to play and activities and day trips being arranged for children and their families.

Non-compliance was identified in areas including: identification, assessment and response to special needs; contingency planning and emergency preparedness; accommodation; food, catering and cooking facilities; governance, accountability and leadership; responsive workforce; and safeguarding and protection. For example, in one of the centres inspectors found that a safeguarding incident involving the welfare of four children was not managed in line with national policy or guidance. 

Where non-compliance with the national standards was identified, providers were required to submit compliance plans to demonstrate how they will make improvements and come into compliance with the national standards. 

Notes to the Editor:

• On 9 January 2024 HIQA assumed responsibility for monitoring the quality of permanent International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres provided by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth as set out under S.I. No. 649/2023 - European Communities (Reception Conditions) (Amendment) Regulations 2023.