Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published five 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:

• Benbulben Court, Co. Sligo
• Eglinton Centre, Co. Galway
• Kinsale Road Accommodation Centre, Co. Cork
• Park Lodge, Co. Kerry
• Knockalisheen, Co. Clare.

HIQA found that the five 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; the provision of education supports and staff members supporting residents to access relevant community-based services and activities.

Areas for improvement were identified across the centres, such as in the accommodation; governance and management; safeguarding and protection and the identification, assessment and response to special needs. For example, in two centres not all residents had a vulnerability assessment on file meaning service providers could not be assured that any such needs were being met.

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 designated International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres against the National Standards for accommodation offered to people in the protection process (2019), as set out under S.I. No. 649/2023 - European Communities (Reception Conditions) (Amendment) Regulations 2023.