Doras statement on government plan to charge asylum seekers for accommodation

Making people in IPAS accommodation pay for the State’s failure to provide adequate, publicly run housing is unjust and unsustainable, particularly while the Government continues to rely on costly, profit-driven and often sub-standard accommodation.

Many in Direct Provision already live in deep poverty. Charging them up to 40% of their income will push people further into hardship, prolong their time in the system, and make it even harder to build independent lives. Many people with status cannot move out of IPAS because Ireland simply does not have enough affordable housing.

Instead of addressing decades of failed housing policy, the Government is shifting the burden onto those with the least power. 

Restricting family reunification or adding additional conditions will deepen isolation for people who have already experienced trauma, undermining current integration efforts by local authorities, civic organisations, and community groups.

 Extending the citizenship qualification period from three to five years is unnecessary and will delay people’s ability to fully participate in Irish life.

 These measures will make life harder for those seeking safety, further undermining Ireland’s duty to protect human rights and provide adequate reception conditions. Ireland should not mirror the UK’s approach but uphold an asylum system grounded in international human rights obligations.