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

IPAS centres, formerly known as direct provision centres, provide accommodation for people seeking international protection in Ireland.

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

Reports have been published on:

• Cúirt Uisce Accommodation Centre, Co. Galway
• Atlantic Lodge, Co. KerryDavis Lane Apartments, Co. Cork
• Davis Lane Apartments, Co. Cork
• Glenvera Hotel, Co. Cork
• Ocean View House, Co. Waterford
• The Towers, Co. Dublin.

HIQA found that four of the centres inspected—Cúirt Uisce Accommodation Centre, Davis Lane Apartments, Glenvera Hotel and Ocean View House—had no non-compliances against the standards. The remaining two centres had varying levels of compliance.

Across the inspections conducted, inspectors found examples of good practice such as well-equipped cooking facilities for preparing meals, access to health and social supports, and support for integrating into the community.

Non-compliance in Atlantic Lodge and the Towers was identified in areas including governance, accountability and leadership; safeguarding and protection; and accommodation. For example, in one centre, the management team was not aware of its responsibility to notify safeguarding incidents to HIQA. In another centre, some children shared bedrooms with their parents or older siblings of different genders, breaching Housing Act 1966. These risks were not identified or assessed.

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 then Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth as set out under S.I. No. 649/2023 - European Communities (Reception Conditions) (Amendment) Regulations 2023.