The State's expenditure on accommodating International Protection (IP) applicants has surpassed €1 billion for the first time, marking a significant financial milestone. New data from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth indicates that the daily cost of housing individuals seeking international protection averaged €2.75 million last year.
The total expenditure for 2024 reached €1.005 billion, representing a 54% increase compared to the €651.75 million spent in 2023. Since 2019, the Irish government has allocated approximately €2.5 billion to accommodate those seeking international protection, with the 2024 figure standing notably higher than the €129 million recorded in 2019.
The data also highlights that the average daily cost of accommodating one individual rose to €84 in 2024, a 9% increase from the €76.80 daily cost of the previous year. This total includes expenses related to accommodation, facilities management, and other operational costs.
The Minister explained that these costs vary due to several factors, including the number of residents and the types of accommodation available. Recent figures from the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) reveal that Nigerian nationals represent the largest group in IPAS accommodation, numbering 6,914. Other prominent nationalities include individuals from Georgia, Algeria, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Jordan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and South Africa. Additionally, 694 individuals come from the occupied Palestinian territories.
Minister Foley noted that countries such as South Africa, Georgia, and Algeria are classified as 'Safe Countries,' which influences the nature of the asylum process for applicants from these locations.
The increase in accommodation costs correlates with a rise in the number of people seeking protection in Ireland. At the end of 2021, IPAS housed just over 7,000 individuals, whereas today, nearly 33,000 people are in State-provided accommodation, including approximately 9,000 children living with their families.
Minister Foley emphasized Ireland's legal and humanitarian responsibility, both domestically and under EU law, to provide shelter and basic services to individuals fleeing war and persecution. Currently, more than 90% of IPAS accommodations are commercially provided, though the government aims to reduce this dependency by developing more State-owned facilities.
In addition to costs associated with IP applicants, the Minister provided insights into the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP), which supports individuals hosting Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP) from Ukraine. Since 2022, the State has distributed €239 million to 22,399 hosts who have provided shelter to nearly 50,000 Ukrainian refugees.
The ARP scheme offers a monthly payment of €800 to private individuals who accommodate refugees. As of now, approximately 15,500 hosts are supporting nearly 36,000 Ukrainians across 19,000 different accommodations. The highest concentrations of ARP recipients are located in Dublin, followed by Cork, Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Kildare, and Kerry.
Minister Foley clarified that ARP payments do not establish a formal landlord-tenant relationship, nor do they confer tenancy rights upon the refugees. The scheme is designed to encourage community support for those displaced by war, without creating long-term legal obligations between hosts and guests.
This sharp rise in accommodation expenses underscores the challenges associated with Ireland's growing responsibilities in international protection and refugee assistance. The government remains committed to balancing its humanitarian obligations with efforts to streamline costs through more sustainable, state-managed accommodation solutions.
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The total expenditure for 2024 reached €1.005 billion, representing a 54% increase compared to the €651.75 million spent in 2023. Since 2019, the Irish government has allocated approximately €2.5 billion to accommodate those seeking international protection, with the 2024 figure standing notably higher than the €129 million recorded in 2019.
The data also highlights that the average daily cost of accommodating one individual rose to €84 in 2024, a 9% increase from the €76.80 daily cost of the previous year. This total includes expenses related to accommodation, facilities management, and other operational costs.
The Minister explained that these costs vary due to several factors, including the number of residents and the types of accommodation available. Recent figures from the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) reveal that Nigerian nationals represent the largest group in IPAS accommodation, numbering 6,914. Other prominent nationalities include individuals from Georgia, Algeria, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Jordan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and South Africa. Additionally, 694 individuals come from the occupied Palestinian territories.
Minister Foley noted that countries such as South Africa, Georgia, and Algeria are classified as 'Safe Countries,' which influences the nature of the asylum process for applicants from these locations.
The increase in accommodation costs correlates with a rise in the number of people seeking protection in Ireland. At the end of 2021, IPAS housed just over 7,000 individuals, whereas today, nearly 33,000 people are in State-provided accommodation, including approximately 9,000 children living with their families.
Minister Foley emphasized Ireland's legal and humanitarian responsibility, both domestically and under EU law, to provide shelter and basic services to individuals fleeing war and persecution. Currently, more than 90% of IPAS accommodations are commercially provided, though the government aims to reduce this dependency by developing more State-owned facilities.
In addition to costs associated with IP applicants, the Minister provided insights into the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP), which supports individuals hosting Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP) from Ukraine. Since 2022, the State has distributed €239 million to 22,399 hosts who have provided shelter to nearly 50,000 Ukrainian refugees.
The ARP scheme offers a monthly payment of €800 to private individuals who accommodate refugees. As of now, approximately 15,500 hosts are supporting nearly 36,000 Ukrainians across 19,000 different accommodations. The highest concentrations of ARP recipients are located in Dublin, followed by Cork, Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Kildare, and Kerry.
Minister Foley clarified that ARP payments do not establish a formal landlord-tenant relationship, nor do they confer tenancy rights upon the refugees. The scheme is designed to encourage community support for those displaced by war, without creating long-term legal obligations between hosts and guests.
This sharp rise in accommodation expenses underscores the challenges associated with Ireland's growing responsibilities in international protection and refugee assistance. The government remains committed to balancing its humanitarian obligations with efforts to streamline costs through more sustainable, state-managed accommodation solutions.
State spend on IP applicants tops €1bn in 2024
The annual State spend in accommodating international protection applicants last year topped €1 billion for the first time.
