2257. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of emails received through the dedicated helpdesk at ipasinbox@justice.ie from persons applying for international protection regarding concerns in relation to their accommodation in each year from 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60815/26]

The safety and well-being of all residents and staff in our accommodation centres is a priority for the Department and IPAS.

IPAS is always available to deal with any complaints from residents and residents are encouraged to engage with IPAS if they are unhappy with any aspect of their accommodation.

Each resident has access to details of the IPAS complaints procedure, and how residents can submit complaints about issues and problems in their accommodation. Complaints are handled sensitively and in confidence.

Residents can make complaints verbally or in writing to the centre manager. If residents are not satisfied with how a centre has dealt with a complaint, they can submit a formal written complaint to IPAS.

Residents can also submit written complaints directly to IPAS if they prefer. If a resident is not comfortable contacting centre management or the Department directly, the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) operate a confidential support helpline for all residents being accommodated by IPAS.

If a resident is not satisfied with the outcome of a complaint submitted to IPAS, a complaint can be submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman or the Office of the Ombudsman for Children.

The following number of emails were received by the IPAS Helpdesk from residents regarding concerns in relation to their accommodation in each year since 2020. To note, the number of IPAS residents in IPAS accommodation has grown from 7,000 in 2020 to 33,000 in 2026.

These issues are raised with centre management and most can be resolved locally or with IPAS support. Residents are also offered the opportunity to proceed with a formal written complaint.

The IPAS customer services team conduct clinics at IPAS accommodation centres and individual residents may raise a query or complaint directly with IPAS at any time by email through a dedicated contact centre, and may also seek support from external advocates as needed.

All IPAS Accommodation Centres, whether state-owned or contracted emergency accommodation, are subject to oversight arrangements through the Department's Centre Management and Compliance Team, and inspected either by HIQA, department officials, or by external inspectors commissioned by the Department.

HIQA reports are available online here: www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/inspection-reports.

Reports of IPAS inspections are available online here: www.gov.ie/en/international-protection-accommodation-services-ipas/publications/ipas-inspection-reports/.