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Migrant system overhaul in move to State-run beds

An overhaul of the immigration system and accommodation for international protection applicants is planned, with a move away from private accommodation providers towards State-owned accommodation delivering 14,000 State-owned beds by 2028.

This is quadruple the previous commitment and will end the policy of using the only remaining hotel in a given town.

Better community engagement is also promised.

Unused offices

Unused offices will be pressed into use, as well as more purchasing and construction, and the use of State-owned land for modular and prefabricated units for international protection accommodation.

Also planned are:

• Targeted purchase of medium and larger turnkey properties,
• Design and build of new reception and integration centres,
• Upgrading of IPAS centres.

A number of State-owned sites have been identified, with assessments underway for use.

An expression of interest for possible purchases of accommodation will issue in the coming weeks.

It is also planned that Ireland will opt into the EU asylum and migration pact which will mean legislation to replace the International Protection Act of 2015, within two years.

Timeframes

This will mean arrivals with no documentation will be returned sooner, and legally binding timeframes for decisions on international protection applications and appeals.

A decision for a person coming from a safe country is now made in around 60 days.

Meanwhile, Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has said Ireland must move away from an emergency response to migration and instead create a "planned and sustainable solution" to the issue.

He said the new EU migration pact means those with the right to stay will get an agreement more quickly.

Otherwise, "if you don't then you need to leave and leave quicker", he said.