A Clare-based Member of European Parliameant has critcised the Government’s oversight on IPAS centres, saying they’ve become a cash cow for operators.
It’s after inspections by the Department of Justice identified contractual breaches at two International Protection Centres in this county.
Doras the MidWest Migrant Rights Organisation has also strongly rebuked the Government for failing to ensure high standards of care across all facilities.
The inspection team at the King Thomond in Lisdoonvarna noted blocked doorways that couldn’t be used in the event of an emergency, while at the Burren Castle Hotel, inspectors observed cracked walls, overcrowding, dampness and room works taking place while residents were in situ.
It comes just one week after a HIQA inspection of Ireland’s largest Direct Provision Centre at Knockalisheen in Meelick determined that residents continue to live in substandard and unacceptable conditions.
Doras CEO John Lannon says the dignity of residents should be the top priority.
Although two centres, namely the Banner Lodge in Ennis and Central in Miltown Malbay were judged to be run to a high standard, A Clare based MEP has slammed the government’s oversight on spending.
The cost of providing International Protection Accommodation nationally exceeded €1.2bn in 2025.
Scariff Independent MEP Michael McNamara says there’s no incentive for operators to execute the service well and that’s long become a cash cow for businesses.
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