Plan to make migrants pay for accommodation 'would cost State millions', ministers told

"Cabinet warned of doubts over ability to recoup debts from non-payers"

"A new system of charging migrants to stay in Ipas (International Protection Accommodation Services) centres will cost millions to implement, but will have a "low rate of return" for the State."

"A note on the proposed new system given to the Cabinet outlines set-up costs of up to €1.68m in the first year, and annual running costs of €740,000 after that."

Cabinet expressed doubts about the State's ability to recover debts from migrants who do not pay charges for stays in IPAS centres. A proposed charging system for International Protection Accommodation Services residents would require substantial upfront and ongoing expenditure. Projected set-up costs reach up to €1.68 million in the first year, with annual operating costs of about €740,000 thereafter. Implementation will cost millions and is expected to yield a low rate of return for the State. Uncertainty over collection from non-payers elevates fiscal risk and weakens the financial case for the scheme.

Read at Irish Independent