Confidential government papers warned of an “imminent humanitarian crisis” as the State struggled to cope with rising numbers of asylum seekers.
It said tented refugee camps might be needed in Ireland and that the government was being gouged by the private sector for accommodation that was “higher cost and lower quality.”
The documents – prepared as the government grappled with the international protection system in late 2023 – warned there was no sign of any let-up.
It said annual costs could eventually end up as high as €1.5 billion per year if “the accommodation system [wasn’t] prepared” for the EU Migration Pact.
The State was also deeply concerned about a High Court case over the right to housing for international protection applicants.
They warned of a significant compensation “award” and how it could create a “pull factor” for refugees wanting to come to Ireland.
A briefing warned: “A scheme may be required for the 1,500 [applicants] who were not accommodated from January to May 2023, costing further tens of millions.
“[Legal] counsel is not optimistic as we have already lost the substantive case – that Ireland breached its EU obligation to provide reception to those seeking International Protection.”
The internal records also document serious failings in existing accommodation centres, with Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan flagging the high cost the State was paying for providers that were non-compliant.
Following one scathing report, the minister wrote: “We are paying a lot of money for the provision of this service, and the provider should be compelled to comply with the terms of the contract.”