Number of asylum seekers without State accommodation passes 600

Fears that the number could reach 1,000 within weeks

The latest figures show there are currently 601 recently arrived international protection applicants without any State-provided accommodation. It is the first time the number has passed 600 since the introduction of direct provision in March 2000.

The number of asylum seekers without State accommodation has passed 600, with fears it could reach 1,000 within weeks.

It comes as Government sources have said it is not anticipated that Integration Minister Roderic O’Gorman will have a revised white paper ready for Cabinet next week. The revised paper is to include how the Government plans to source new accommodation centres. Mr O’Gorman said the Government plans to create new centres by either building on State land, acquiring new premises, or leasing buildings.