The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) has written to Minister for Integration Roderic O'Gorman to express its "deep concern" over reports of a shortfall in emergency accommodation for applicants seeking international protection.
The commission has warned the minister that if the State fails to provide accommodation to people seeking international protection, it will be in breach of 2018 European regulations and the relevant European directive.
The correspondence has noted that in April, the High Court ruled that failure to provide international protection applicants with material reception conditions was unlawful, and amounted to a breach of the applicant’s right to dignity under the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
The letter also warned that a failure to provide accommodation can lead to related breaches of the law with respect of the provision of material reception conditions that include food, a daily expense allowance, clothing, basic hygiene facilities and access to healthcare, all of which are to ensure an adequate standard of living for those applicants.
IHREC has said it is "critical" that lack of shelter is met with a "swift response".
The medium and longer-term solution to the ongoing needs of those seeking international protection and temporary protection in Ireland needs to be an urgent, whole-of-government priority, according to IHREC.
"Any refusal of shelter by the State puts these individuals at high risk on the streets, particularly in the context of increased activity by those wishing to foment anti-immigrant sentiment," Chief Commissioner Sinéad Gibney said.
