Justice Dept. Disputes Direct Provision as Main Driver of Homelessness in Dublin
The Department of Justice disputes that direct provision is the main cause of homelessness for single adults in Dublin, despite reports from the DRHE. The department claims most people leaving direct provision do not become homeless, citing other factors and support systems. Over 5,000 people with legal status remain in direct provision, not entitled to State housing.
The Department of Justice asserts that the majority of people leaving direct provision do not become homeless, despite reports from homeless services, including the Dublin Region Homelessness Executive (DRHE), indicating it is the largest driver of homelessness among single adults in Dublin.
The DRHE reported to a Dáil committee that leaving direct provision was the biggest cause of homelessness for single adults in 2024 and 2025, accounting for 25 percent of new single entrants to its services. However, Doncha O’Sullivan, Secretary General of the Department of Justice, stated in a letter to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that the department has support arrangements for those moving to independent housing.
O’Sullivan argued that individuals may become homeless for various reasons beyond their previous residence in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation, such as loss of rental housing, relationship breakdowns, or other personal circumstances arising after leaving the international protection system. There are over 5,000 people with legal status to remain in Ireland currently in direct provision, not entitled to State accommodation.
While 4,000 people moved out last year, the number remains high. The department reminds these individuals they no longer have a right to State accommodation. O’Sullivan also noted that most international protection applicants not accommodated upon arrival are not rough-sleeping, with outreach teams offering housing. Seven percent of families presenting to DRHE (69 in 2025, up from 29 in 2024) previously resided in direct provision, though single person presentations dropped from 559 in 2024 to 450 last year.
Separately, Department of Justice figures show 785 gardaí were deployed on eight charter flights since February last year, escorting 301 deportees. This means gardaí outnumbered deportees by more than 2.5 to one. The department stated Garda use risk assessments to determine escort numbers.