A hearing of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission’s (IHREC) case against the State over the failure to provide accommodation to all those seeking asylum here is due to begin.
The IHREC wants the High Court to make declarations that it breaches applicants’ rights under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
On 4 December, the State announced it could no longer provide accommodation to all newly arrived male international protection applicants (IPA).
The IHREC commenced these proceedings that same month.
This case marks the first time the Commission has used its power to take legal action in its own name concerning the human rights of a person or class of people.
In December, it said it was doing so because of “the gravity of the situation”.
The Commission is asking the High Court to decide if the failure to provide accommodation to newly arrived international protection applicants is unlawful.
It also wants the court to compel the State to provide for the basic needs, including accommodation, of unaccommodated international protection applicants.
The State is contesting the case and denies that it is failing to meet its obligations.
