The Irish Refugee Council today published the Asylum Information Database (AIDA) 2025 report, which highlights an increasingly restrictive asylum system and deterioration in standards. The organisation warned that the continued introduction of regressive policies by Minister Jim O’Callaghan is undermining asylum rights and eroding Ireland’s longstanding tradition of justice, compassion and solidarity.

The AIDA report, documents key developments and challenges in Ireland’s international protection system during 2025 and the first months of 2026. This is the 14th AIDA report. The report is published annually in coordination with the European Council of Refugees and Exiles (ECRE), and is an essential resource for practitioners, journalists, protection applicants and other stakeholders.

AIDA 2025 report finds that, the number of international protection applications lodged fell by 29 percent compared to the previous year. Despite this, delays in decision-making  continued, there was an ongoing policy of non accommodation of protection applicants and the number of deportation orders issued increased sharply.2025 also saw numerous major policy developments, including the publishing of the General Scheme of the International Protection Bill which launched the implementation process of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, the expansion of accelerated asylum procedures, new restrictions proposed for family reunification and citizenship, and the extension of Temporary Protection for people displaced from Ukraine.

Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, said:

“The significant increase in deportation orders, the expansion of accelerated procedures, limiting access to asylum, family reunification and citizenship signal a shift towards a more restrictive approach to protection. We are very concerned that these changes are at the expense of fairness, due process, or the rights of people fleeing persecution and conflict.“

"While the number of people seeking international protection in Ireland fell in 2025, the year was marked by a continued failure to ensure that everyone seeking safety has access to basic accommodation and dignified reception conditions. Many single men continued to experience homelessness after seeking protection in the State. No person seeking refuge should be forced to sleep rough to demonstrate a need for accommodation.

"The continued delays in the protection process remain deeply concerning. People seeking safety should not have to wait well over a year for a first decision and even longer for an appeal. Prolonged uncertainty undermines integration, impacts mental health, and places unnecessary pressure on applicants and the wider system alike.

"In a significant case, brought by the Irish Refugee Council’s Independent Law Centre, the Court of Justice of the EU reaffirmed an important principle: the State cannot avoid its legal obligations to provide for basic needs simply because accommodation is under pressure. Human dignity is not optional, and access to shelter, food and essential supports must be guaranteed for everyone seeking protection.

"As Ireland implements the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, it is essential that efficiency is not pursued at the expense of rights. Ireland's response to people seeking protection should be guided by dignity, humanity and the rule of law, ensuring that those fleeing war, persecution and violence are treated fairly and afforded the protection to which they are entitled.”

Key findings in the AIDA report are:

Asylum Procedures

  • 13,159 applications for international protection received in 2025.
  • 19,558 decisions issued; 19% (3,751) were positive at first instance.
  • 1,274 (23%) applicants received a positive decision on appeal.
  • 22% of applicants were children.
  • Main countries were Somalia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
  • Significant increase in issuing of deportation orders throughout 2025.
  • Applicants from Pakistan subject to accelerated procedure from July 2025.

Reception Conditions

  • Non accommodation policy continued, prolonging street homelessness for single men.
  • Overcrowded emergency centres and substandard tented facilities raised concerns about dignity, basic needs, and mental health.
  • A judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union EU confirmed that Ireland cannot evade reception obligations due to increased asylum arrivals.
  • The Health Information and Quality Authority continued its statutory remit of inspecting permanent accommodation centres under the national standards.  A number of centres inspected were found non-compliant in key areas.

Temporary Protection Statistics (as of Feb 2026):

  • 121,048 registered for temporary protection since March 2022.
  • 18,132 in state accommodation. 
  • 29,860 accessed the labour market; 18,185 Ukrainian students were enrolled in Irish primary and secondary schools.
  • 46,405 received income support; 15,575 child benefit. 

Accommodation Support

  • Proposed reduction in Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) from €600 to €400/month (not yet implemented – commencing September 2027). ARP to be wound down by March 2027.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

  • The European Council on Refugees and Exiles’ Asylum Information Database (AIDA) annual reports contain information on asylum procedures, reception conditions, detention and content of international protection across 27 countries. 
  • The annual AIDA report is a definitive study of the Irish international protection process. It contains the latest statistics and information. The Irish Refugee Council compiles the report for Ireland with support from ECRE.  Ireland’s AIDA 2025 Report is available here.
  • This year’s report is the 14th. Find previous AIDA reports here.

For further information contact:

  • Nick Henderson, CEO, nick@irishrefugeecouncil.ie, 0858585559
  • Wendy Muperi, Communications Officer, wendy@irishrefugeecouncil.ie, 0858550434.
Download AIDA 2025 report