Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published nine inspection reports on eight 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:

• Athlone Accommodation Centre, Co. Westmeath
• Atlantic House, Co. Waterford
• Dídean Portlaoise, Co. Laois
• Finn Accommodation Centre, Co. Donegal
• Hanratty’s Hotel, Co. Limerick
• Johnston Marina, Co. Kerry
• Kinsale Road Accommodation Centre, Co. Cork
• Knockalisheen, Co. Clare.

One centre, Dídean Portlaoise, was found to have no non-compliances against the standards. The remaining reports found varying levels of compliance.

Across the inspections conducted, inspectors found examples of good practice, such as supporting people to integrate into local communities, promoting human rights, providing facilities for cooking and preparing meals and good child-centred practice, including access to well-equipped play groups and spaces for study and homework.

Non-compliance was identified in areas including: identification, assessment and response to special needs; accommodation; governance and management and safe and effective recruitment practices. For example, some centres inspected did not have a dedicated reception officer and not all centres had attained the appropriate An Garda Síochána (police) vetting.

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.