Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published four inspection reports on International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres as designated by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.

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

HIQA inspects the quality and safety of IPAS centres 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 Lodge, Co. Kerry
• The Towers, Co. Dublin
• Linden House Accommodation Centre, Co. Kerry.

HIQA found that the four centres had varying levels of compliance against the standards. 

Across the inspections conducted, inspectors found examples of good practice, including access to health and social services; good child-centred practice, including access to playgrounds; and staff members supporting residents to access relevant community-based services and activities.

Areas for improvement were identified across centres in areas such as food preparation and dining facilities; accommodation; governance and management; and staff supervision. For example, in two of the centres, some children shared bedrooms with their parents or siblings of the opposite gender over the age of 10, which was not in line with the requirements of the Housing Act 1966. 

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:

• HIQA monitors the quality of International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres designated by the Minister of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration under the International Protection Act 2026.