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

• Ashbourne House, Co. Cork
• Birchwood House, Co. Waterford
• Carroll Village, Co. Louth
• Great Western House, Co. Galway
• Linden House, Co. Kerry
• Millstreet Accommodation Centre, Co. Cork
• Park Lodge, Co. Kerry.

Five of the centres that were inspected—Ashbourne House, Birchwood House, Great Western House, Linden House and Millstreet Accommodation Centre—were found to have no non-compliances identified 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, good child-centred practice including access to playgrounds and the provision of education supports such as homework clubs, and support for integrating into the community.

Non-compliance was identified in areas including: contingency planning and emergency preparedness; accommodation; safeguarding and protection; and identification, assessment and response to special needs. For example, one centre had not employed a reception officer.

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.