Dublin: The Government has confirmed that around 10,000 refugees who previously lived in Ireland’s International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres have moved into community-based housing over the past three years. The figures were disclosed by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan in a written reply to a parliamentary question.
The minister said approximately 4,000 people moved out of IPAS centres last year alone. He explained that individuals who have been granted refugee status no longer have a legal entitlement to remain in IPAS accommodation, requiring the State to assist them in finding housing within the community.
The disclosure comes amid ongoing pressure on Ireland’s housing market, where many Irish citizens and migrants seeking employment continue to face difficulties securing rental accommodation. The figures have fuelled political debate, with some groups claiming that housing provision for refugees is contributing to shortages and rising prices. The Government has not accepted these claims, noting that tens of thousands of people seeking international protection remain in IPAS centres awaiting decisions on their status.
The parliamentary question was submitted by Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan, who sought details on measures taken to secure appropriate accommodation for refugees with serious medical conditions.
25 Sex Offenders Deported Under Garda Operation
In a separate response, Minister O’Callaghan confirmed that 25 convicted sex offenders have been deported from Ireland under Garda Operation Moon Bridge. The group included 14 non-EU nationals and 11 EU citizens.
Operation Moon Bridge, launched last year, targets non-Irish nationals convicted of serious sexual offences. The minister said the initiative is led by specialist Garda units and focuses on identifying individuals who pose a significant risk to public safety. Those identified may be subject to EU removal orders or deportation proceedings by the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
Mr O’Callaghan said the operation is a key part of enforcing a rules-based migration system and is intended to protect the public while reinforcing confidence in Ireland’s immigration framework. He added that the message is clear that serious criminal behaviour will result in removal from the State where legally possible.
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