The Public Accounts Committee will launch a formal investigation in June into how the State is spending billions on accommodation for asylum seekers and refugees.
The move was confirmed today in a statement by the committee’s chair, Sinn Féin TD John Brady, who said the inquiry would focus on the governance, oversight, and value for money of State payments made through the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS).
“The Public Accounts Committee has a duty to examine how public money is being spent, what governance and oversight is in place and if the public are getting value for money,” Brady said.
“That is why, as agreed yesterday, we will be launching a detailed investigation into IPAS expenditure starting this June.”
According to the latest figures, the combined spend on housing International Protection applicants and those fleeing the war in Ukraine reached €1.84bn in 2024 – an average of €5m per day.
The investigation will examine how accommodation is sourced, who profits, and whether the current system is delivering appropriate outcomes.
“This is not a marginal overspend – this is a runaway train,” the committee chair said.
“In 2024 alone, the government spent over €1bn on accommodating International Protection applicants, with €280m of that spent in the final quarter alone. That’s a 54% increase on the €651.75m paid out in 2023. These figures demand full scrutiny.”
He continued: “The PAC will do its job. We will follow the money, ask the hard questions, and demand accountability.”
Concerns have also been raised over the quality of accommodation provided under the scheme.
“People have become millionaires for the provision of what is often poor quality and wholly unsuitable accommodation for vulnerable people,” the statement said.
“Serious concerns have been expressed by communities about what appears to be the lack of a clear or accountable process around the selection of facilities.”
He added that accommodation contracts were being awarded while “the only hotel in their area” was taken over and reports of substandard conditions continued to surface.
Brady also cited delays in processing applications as a key driver of cost increases.
“The reality is that because applications are not being processed efficiently or in a timely fashion, people are forced to remain in costly, state-funded accommodation far longer than necessary – at the public’s expense.
“These failures have put considerable additional pressures on an already overwhelmed system.”
The statement also warned that the economic effects were being felt in communities around the country.
“Across Ireland, towns and villages are losing their tourism capacity,” it said.
“Seasonal businesses are suffering. Communities are understandably asking questions – and they deserve answers.”
Brady described the government’s approach as fragmented and reactive.
“The government is throwing money at a problem it has no coherent plan to solve – that’s not acceptable.
“…Taxpayers, communities, and applicants themselves deserve a protection system that is fair, functional and fiscally responsible. Right now, they are getting none of those things.”
The IPAS system has faced sustained pressure amid record-level arrivals in recent years.
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