PAC urges tighter controls on protection spending

The Committee of Public Accounts (PAC) has urged the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to bolster financial oversight and contract management concerning international protection and temporary accommodation, following a comprehensive examination of expenditure in this area.

In its latest report published on 10 November 2026, the Committee outlined 13 recommendations designed to improve governance and accountability for the €2.3 billion spent in 2024. Of this, €1.06 billion was allocated to international protection accommodation while €1.21 billion went towards supporting those under temporary protection linked to the Ukraine crisis.

Deputy John Brady, Chair of the PAC, emphasised the importance of ensuring public funds deliver value, noting significant concerns around procurement and contract oversight, especially with commercial providers. He remarked, “While rapid expansion of accommodation capacity was necessary, it does not excuse the governance shortcomings we have identified.”

The Committee highlighted findings from the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (C&AG) 2024 report, which revealed that only 20% of properties reviewed had planning permission or valid exemptions, less than half had signed contracts, and many lacked essential insurance or fire certification.

Despite recognising the exceptional circumstances when accommodation capacity surged from approximately 7,000 to nearly 33,000 beds between 2022 and 2024, the Committee remains concerned over the adequacy of the governance framework during this period. It has recommended that all contracts, including legacy agreements, be promptly aligned with regulatory standards.

Furthermore, the Department is expected within nine months to present a detailed plan to expand State-owned IPAS accommodation, aiming to increase capacity and reduce reliance on expensive commercial providers.

The Committee also examined the 2025 C&AG report, which criticised the cancellation of pre-contract accommodation agreements by the Department of Children, resulting in substantial contingent liabilities and losses. Discrepancies between contracted bed capacity and actual use may have led to significant overpayments, with a review having already identified 97 centres where overpayments might have occurred. To date, almost €1 million has been recovered, but the Committee insists on a full retrospective reconciliation and recovery strategy.

Additionally, a case involving an accommodation provider overcharging VAT was scrutinised, with about €1.9 million refunded to the Department after specialised analysis.

Costs associated with accommodation remain substantial, with the average nightly cost per applicant rising from €84 in 2024 to €97 in 2025. Commercial accommodation averaged €71 per night, compared to €40 for State-owned facilities. The Department has committed to increasing State-owned bed capacity from roughly 4,000 to 14,000 by 2028 to improve cost efficiency.

The report also raises concerns about approximately 5,000 individuals with international protection status who continue to reside in IPAS accommodation despite decisions on their applications, prompting calls for further clarity and action.

Transparency on deportation costs is another focus, with the Committee requesting a detailed breakdown of expenses related to charter and commercial flights, Garda escorts, and medical personnel. Notably, six charter flights costing €1.667 million removed 205 people in 2025, while four flights costing €2.13 million had removed 172 individuals by mid-2026.

Regarding Ukraine-related expenditure, €1.164 billion was spent in 2024. The Department reported a decrease in commercial accommodation costs to €452 million in 2025 alongside increased spending on the Accommodation Recognition Payment scheme. The Committee has called for a review of this scheme’s operation and value for money, to be reported within nine months.

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