The Rights Guide — Know Your Rights

01What Do You Need Help With?

01 Your Rights in IPASWhat the law says about your accommodation, the standards you are entitled to, and when a doctor's letter is — and isn't — required. → 02 Healthcare AccessHow to register with a GP, get a medical card, access mental health services, and understand your healthcare rights. → 03 Emergency & SupportSuicide helplines, domestic violence support, victim services, and organisations that will stand with you. → 04 Legal Aid & AdvocacyFree legal help, how to complain about your accommodation, and who to contact when something feels wrong. →

02Critical Numbers — Save These

Emergency

112 / 999

Gardaí, Ambulance, Fire, Coast Guard. Free call.

Samaritans

116 123

24/7 confidential listening. Free call.

Pieta House

1800 247 247

Suicide & self-harm crisis helpline. 24/7.

Legal Aid Board

0818 615 200

Free legal aid for asylum seekers. Mon–Fri.

You Are Entitled To Dignity

Under Irish and EU law, international protection applicants have the right to adequate accommodation, healthcare, and a dignified standard of living. No one can lawfully deny you basic amenities because you are an immigrant.

Did a hostel or centre ask you for a doctor's letter for something basic?

There is no legal requirement in the Reception Conditions Regulations for a GP letter to approve basic items like a fan, a room change for comfort, or standard living equipment. The only formal medical letter protocol applies to transfer requests between centres — and even then, it requires a consultant's letter, not a GP note.

Read the Full Guide →

The Law That Protects You

Ireland's obligations to people seeking international protection come from the European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 230/2018). This law implements the EU Reception Conditions Directive and sets minimum standards for accommodation, healthcare, food, and living conditions.

Key Legal Principle

Regulation 4(1): You are entitled to material reception conditions (accommodation, meals, money) "whereby they do not have sufficient means to attain an adequate standard of living." The State must ensure your accommodation guarantees "a dignified standard of living" and "adequate living space."

Medical Letters: What Is — and Isn't — Required

Important Truth

There is NO legal or regulatory requirement for a GP letter to approve basic amenities like an electric fan, a comfortable room temperature, or standard living equipment. If a hostel or centre demands a doctor's letter for something basic, they are enforcing an internal policy, not a law.

The ONLY Official Medical Letter Protocol

IPAS has one formal protocol involving medical letters: the Protocol for Medical Transfer Requests, introduced in January 2024. This applies only to:

Requests to move from one accommodation centre to another
Where the move is essential for health reasons
Requires a letter from a hospital consultant (not a GP)
The letter must state the move is essential, not just preferable
IPAS then reviews this with an Independent Medical Referee

Even for transfers, many requests are refused unless there is a significant medical vulnerability or safety concern.

Medical Letters: Quick Reference

Situation	Letter Required?	What the Law Says
Requesting a fan for your room	No	Basic living amenity. No statutory requirement.
Requesting a room change within centre	No (in most cases)	Centre manager discretion; not a medical matter.
Requesting transfer to another centre for health	Yes — from a hospital consultant	Protocol for Medical Transfer Requests (Jan 2024)
Requesting transfer for work/family	No (but likely refused)	IPAS policy: transfers only for "exceptional circumstances"
Accessing healthcare / GP registration	No	You have a legal right to healthcare under Reg. 18.

What "Suitable Accommodation" Means

Since January 2024, HIQA (Health Information and Quality Authority) independently inspects permanent IPAS centres against the legally binding National Standards for Accommodation. These standards cover:

Living Space

Adequate room size, privacy, ventilation, and temperature control. Rooms should be safe and habitable.

Food & Facilities

Nutritious meals or self-catering facilities. Access to clean drinking water and food storage.

Safety & Safeguarding

Fire safety, protection from abuse, and procedures to keep vulnerable people safe.

Special Needs

Assessment and response to disabilities, mental health needs, pregnancy, and family circumstances.

What the Ombudsman Has Said

The Office of the Ombudsman has recommended that protection applicants should have own-door accommodation with adequate living space and access to their own cooking facilities. While this ideal is not yet fully realised, it is the official benchmark against which complaints are judged.

Emergency vs. Permanent Accommodation

As of early 2026, IPAS operates 312 properties across Ireland, but only approximately 49 are permanent centres. The remainder are emergency or pre-reception facilities. HIQA only inspects permanent centres. If you are in emergency accommodation, your remedy is through the complaints process and the Ombudsman — not HIQA inspection. This distinction is critical.

Your Right to Complain

You have a legal right to make a complaint without fear of retaliation. The process is:

01

Talk to your Centre Manager

Try to resolve the issue informally first. If that fails, make a formal written complaint. They must respond within 14 days.

02

Escalate to IPAS

Email ipasinbox@justice.ie with your name, TRC number, and full details of your complaint.

03

Contact the Ombudsman

If IPAS does not resolve your complaint, you can go to the Office of the Ombudsman online, by post, or by phone at 01 639 5600. You must do this within 12 months.

04

Ombudsman for Children

If your complaint relates to a child, contact the Ombudsman for Children's Office instead.

Retaliation Is Not Allowed

Your entitlement to accommodation cannot be reduced or withdrawn simply because you made a complaint. If this happens, contact the Ombudsman immediately and document everything.

Who Supervises Your Centre?

Organisation	Role	Contact
IPAS	Runs the accommodation system; contracts private operators	ipasinbox@justice.ie / 01 418 3200
DCEDIY	Government department that oversees IPAS	Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
HIQA	Independent inspector of permanent centres since Jan 2024	hiqa.ie — publishes inspection reports
Ombudsman	Investigates complaints about accommodation & services	ombudsman.ie / 01 639 5600

What You Receive Weekly

As an international protection applicant in Direct Provision, you are entitled to:

Daily Expenses Allowance: €38.80 per week for adults
Child allowance: €29.80 per week per child
Child Benefit: If you have children, you may also be entitled to Irish Child Benefit

Note: If you take up paid employment, your Daily Expenses Allowance may be reduced proportionally. As of late 2025, the government proposed requiring contributions toward accommodation costs from those earning above certain thresholds. Check gov.ie for current rules.

Your Right to an Interpreter

You have a legal right to interpretation in your asylum interviews with the International Protection Office (IPO), in medical settings, and in legal proceedings. If you are not offered an interpreter, ask for one. Do not let anyone pressure you to proceed without adequate interpretation.

Travel Restrictions

Protection applicants generally cannot leave Ireland without permission while their application is being processed. If you leave without permission, your application may be deemed withdrawn. If you need to travel for an emergency (e.g., family death, serious illness), contact the International Protection Office before making any travel arrangements.

Tip: Document Everything

If you are being asked for unreasonable documentation (like a GP letter for a fan), ask the staff member to show you the written policy or regulation that requires it. If they cannot, that tells you it is not a legal requirement. Keep copies of all letters, emails, and notes of conversations.

Your Healthcare Rights

Under Regulation 18 of the Reception Conditions Regulations 2018, you have the right to:

Emergency healthcare
Treatment for serious illnesses
Mental health care assessed as necessary
Other healthcare to maintain your health

Good News: Prescriptions Are Free

If you live in Direct Provision and have a medical card, you do not pay prescription charges. Normally medical card holders pay a small charge per item, but this is waived for IPAS residents.

How to Access Healthcare

01

Get a Medical Card

Apply through the HSE. If you live in Direct Provision, you are entitled to a medical card. Ask your centre manager or GP for help with the application. You can also apply online at hse.ie.

02

Register with a GP

Most IPAS centres have a GP who visits regularly, or residents are assigned to a local GP practice. If GP lists are full, the HSE will arrange access to a GP with availability in your area. This is free with your medical card.

03

Hospital Care

You are entitled to free care in public hospitals. If you need to go to hospital, your GP will refer you. In an emergency, go to A&E or call 112/999.

04

Dental & Eye Care

Medical card holders get limited free dental and optical services: basic extractions, one eye test every 2 years, and limited glasses/contacts subsidy. Major dental work (crowns, bridges) is generally not covered. Ask your GP or local health centre for a referral.

Requesting an Interpreter

You have the right to an interpreter for GP and hospital appointments. Ask when booking. Do not let anyone tell you to 'bring a friend' instead. Professional interpretation is your right and ensures accuracy.

Mental Health Matters

Living in the protection system can be stressful, lonely, and frightening. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You have the right to mental health support, and it will not affect your asylum application.

Talk to Your GP Your GP can refer you to counselling, psychiatry, or psychology services. This is free with your medical card.

HSE YourMentalHealth Helpline Free national mental health helpline. Available 24/7. You can also text 50808. 1800 111 888

SPIRASI For survivors of torture and severe trauma. Therapy, rehabilitation, and medico-legal support. 01 838 9664

Counselling in DP Some centres have on-site counselling. Ask your centre manager or welfare officer what mental health services are available.

Your Health Information Is Confidential

What you tell your doctor is private. Your GP cannot share your medical information with IPAS, the International Protection Office, or the Department of Justice without your consent — except in very rare situations where there is a serious risk to life. Seeking mental health support will not negatively affect your asylum claim.

Health Screening on Arrival

When you first arrive in Ireland, you are offered voluntary health screening at the reception centre. This checks for:

Tuberculosis (TB)
Hepatitis
HIV
Vaccination status
Other health needs

This screening is voluntary and confidential. The results do not affect your asylum application.

Taking Care of Your Health Day-to-Day

Sleep

Good sleep is essential. If noise, temperature, or room conditions are affecting your sleep, document it and raise it with your centre manager. Poor sleep affects mental and physical health.

Food & Nutrition

If you have dietary needs (religious, medical, allergies), tell your centre manager. Centres are required to cater for dietary requirements.

Movement

Physical activity reduces stress. Walking, stretching, or any exercise you enjoy helps. Many centres have outdoor space — use it if you can.

Connection

Isolation harms health. Connect with others in your centre, local community groups, or support organisations. Clare Immigrant Support Centre runs outreach to Clare Lodge.

Sexual & Reproductive Health

You have the right to access sexual health services, maternity care, and family planning. These services are confidential and free with your medical card.

Maternity care: Fully free for medical card holders. Tell your centre manager early if you are pregnant so they can plan appropriate accommodation.
Contraception: Free for women aged 17–35. Discuss with your GP.
STI testing: Free and confidential at public sexual health clinics. Find your nearest clinic at hse.ie/services/sexual-health.

Children's Health

Children in IPAS are entitled to the same health services as all children in Ireland: public health nurse visits, developmental checks, school health screenings, vaccinations, and specialist referrals. Ensure your children are registered with a GP.

Addiction Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or drugs, HSE addiction services are free and confidential. Your GP can refer you, or contact the HSE Drugs & Alcohol Helpline: 1800 459 459.

Emergency & Crisis

Emergency Services Gardaí, Ambulance, Fire, Coast Guard. Free from any phone. 112 or 999

Samaritans 24/7 confidential listening. Whatever you're going through, you can talk. Free call. 116 123

Pieta House Suicide and self-harm crisis helpline. 24/7. Free. Professional counsellors. 1800 247 247

Text About It Free 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis. Anonymous. Text HELLO to 50808

Mental Health & Psychiatry

HSE YourMentalHealth Helpline National 24/7 mental health helpline. Your GP can also refer you to local mental health services. 1800 111 888

SPIRASI Specialist support for survivors of torture and trauma. Medico-legal reports, therapy, rehabilitation. Dublin-based. 01 838 9664

Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Psychosocial support, outreach to Direct Provision centres, language support, and integration programmes. 01 814 8644

Safety & Victim Support

Doras Migrant Victim Support Free, confidential support for migrants who have experienced crime — hate crime, domestic violence, trafficking, labour exploitation. Interpreter support available. 083 008 6391

Women's Aid 24/7 helpline for women experiencing domestic abuse. Free and confidential. 1800 341 900

National Rape Crisis Helpline 24/7 support for survivors of sexual violence. Free and confidential. 1800 778 888

Anti-Human Trafficking Unit Blue Blindfold campaign. Free, confidential, available in multiple languages. 01 795 8280

Safe Ireland National network of domestic violence services. Find your local service. 01 578 3001

LGBT Ireland Support and information for LGBTQ+ people in Ireland. Confidential helpline. 1800 929 539

Employment & Job-Seeking

New Communities Partnership Employment rights support, citizenship applications, social welfare help, education and accommodation support. National network. 01 872 7842

Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) Employment rights, anti-exploitation, advocacy for undocumented workers, and integration support. 01 889 7570

Intreo / MyWelfare After 6 months in the protection process, you may apply for Labour Market Access Permission. Visit your local Intreo centre or irishimmigration.ie for forms. Minimum wage: €13.50/hour (as of Jan 2025).

Clare Immigrant Support Centre Local Ennis-based support. Outreach to Clare Lodge and other centres. Advocacy, translation, accompanied visits. 065 682 2026

Education & Integration

Education & Training Boards (ETBs) Free English language (ESOL) classes and adult education nationwide. Contact your local ETB.

Nasc Ireland Integration support, rights information, and advocacy for migrants in Ireland. 021 427 3594

Irish Refugee Council Information, advocacy, and integration support. Information hub for protection applicants. 01 764 5854

Crosscare Migrant Services Major national support NGO. Information, advocacy, and practical support for migrants.

Local Support in County Clare

Clare Immigrant Support Centre (CISC) Unit 6, Clonroad Business Park, Ennis, Co. Clare
Phone: 065 682 2026
Email: ciscennis@gmail.com
Services available in Arabic, French, and English. Dedicated outreach to Clare Lodge and King Thomond DP Centre.

International Protection Office (IPO) Processes asylum applications. Not an advocacy body — this is the decision-maker.
info@ipo.gov.ie · ipo.gov.ie

International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) If your application is refused, you appeal to IPAT within 15 working days.
protectionappeals.ie

Free Legal Help for Asylum Seekers

If you are in the international protection process, you are entitled to free legal aid through the Legal Aid Board and its Refugee Legal Service (RLS).

Refugee Legal Service (RLS) Free legal representation for international protection applicants. They can help with your asylum application, appeals, and judicial reviews. 0818 615 200

Legal Aid Board General civil legal aid — family law, housing, employment, and more. Free if you cannot afford a private solicitor. 0818 615 200

FLAC Free Legal Advice Centres. Drop-in clinics across Ireland for basic legal advice. Independent and confidential. 01 906 1010

Irish Refugee Council Information, advocacy, and casework support. Not a law firm, but they know the system and can guide you. 01 764 5854

The International Protection Office (IPO)

The IPO processes your asylum application. They are not your advocate — they are the decision-maker. You must cooperate with them, attend interviews, and respond to requests. If you move, tell them your new address immediately.

info@ipo.gov.ie · ipo.gov.ie

The International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT)

If the IPO refuses your application, you can appeal to IPAT. You have 15 working days from the date of the refusal letter to submit your appeal. Do not miss this deadline. Contact the Refugee Legal Service immediately if you receive a refusal.

protectionappeals.ie

Your Temporary Residence Certificate (TRC)

Your TRC is the plastic card you received when you claimed asylum. It is your ID in Ireland. Keep it safe. You need it to: register with a GP, collect your PPS number, access services, and prove your status. If you lose it, contact IPAS immediately.

How to Complain About Your Accommodation

If you believe your centre is not meeting standards, treating you unfairly, or asking for unreasonable things (like a doctor's letter for a basic fan), you have a legal right to complain. Here is the proper process:

01

Centre Manager (Informal)

Speak to the manager first. Many issues can be resolved quickly. Keep a note of what was said and when.

02

Centre Manager (Formal, Written)

If informal discussion fails, submit a written complaint. The manager must respond within 14 days. Use the centre's complaint form if they have one. Keep a copy.

03

IPAS Customer Service Team

Email ipasinbox@justice.ie with: your full name and TRC number; the name of your centre; a clear description of the problem; copies of any previous correspondence.

04

Office of the Ombudsman

If IPAS does not resolve your complaint, escalate to the Ombudsman. You must do this within 12 months.

Online: ombudsman.ie
Phone: 01 639 5600
Post: Office of the Ombudsman, 6 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, D02 W773

05

Ombudsman for Children (OCO)

If your complaint involves a child, contact the OCO at oco.ie or 01 865 6800.

What to Include in Your Complaint

Your name, TRC number, and contact details
The name and address of your accommodation centre
What happened, when, and who was involved
What you want to happen now
Copies of any letters, emails, or photos that support your case

When to Contact a Solicitor

Your international protection application has been refused
You want to appeal to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT)
You are facing deportation or removal
You want to apply for judicial review
You have been a victim of crime and need legal support
You have an employment or housing dispute

Important: Don't Miss Deadlines

Legal deadlines in the asylum system are strict. If you receive a refusal letter, you usually have 15 working days to appeal. Do not wait. Contact the Refugee Legal Service or a solicitor immediately.

Warning: Bogus Legal Advisors

Be careful of people who claim they can 'fast-track' your asylum claim or guarantee a positive result for money. Only registered solicitors and the Refugee Legal Service can legally represent you. If someone asks for cash to 'fix' your case, they are likely fraudulent. Report suspicious activity to the Gardaí or MRCI.

Organisations That Can Advocate For You

Organisation	What They Do	Contact
Irish Refugee Council	Advocacy, information, casework, integration support	01 764 5854 / irishrefugeecouncil.ie
Nasc Ireland	Migrant rights, legal information, anti-racism work	021 427 3594 / nascireland.org
MRCI	Employment rights, anti-exploitation, undocumented workers	01 889 7570 / mrci.ie
Doras	Victim support, trafficking, integration (Midwest)	083 008 6391 / doras.org
Clare Immigrant Support Centre	Local advocacy, translation, accompanied visits (Ennis)	065 682 2026 / ciscennis@gmail.com
IHREC	Human rights and equality oversight — can take strategic cases	01 858 3001 / ihrec.ie

Know Your Rights at Work

If you have Labour Market Access Permission, you have the same employment rights as any other worker in Ireland:

Minimum wage (€13.50 per hour as of Jan 2025 — check gov.ie for current rate)
Paid holidays
Safe working conditions
Protection from unfair dismissal (after qualifying period)
Right to join a trade union

If your employer is exploiting you — not paying you properly, making you work unsafe hours, or threatening you because of your immigration status — contact MRCI (01 889 7570) or the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) (059 917 8990) before confronting your employer. If you are undocumented, seek advice first.

Remember

If your employer threatens to report your immigration status because you asserted your employment rights, this may be penalisation and you can report it to MRCI or the WRC. However, if you are undocumented, seek advice before making a complaint to understand your risks.

Know Your Rights.Find Your Support.