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Investigates Investigates Money Diaries Daft.ie Property Magazine Allianz Home Magazine The 42 Sports Magazine The Journal TV Climate Crisis Cost of Living Road Safety Newsletters Temperature Check Inside the Newsroom The Journal Investigates The Explainer A deep dive into one big news story Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Advertisement More Stories Asylum Seekers European court rules Ireland cannot avoid responsibility for housing asylum seekers The case arose from two men who were denied accommodation and allowances by the State. 6.48pm, 10 Apr 2025 Share options THE IRISH GOVERNMENT cannot avoid responsibility for providing adequate conditions to asylum seekers even in cases where there is a large influx of people seeking international protection, according to a European court. The European Court of Justice’s Advocate General Laila Medina has found that EU member states cannot use ‘force majeure’ – or an abnormal event beyond the control of a state – to “justify its failure to provide basic needs” for people seeking protection. The case was taken by an Afghan national and an Indian national, who had applied for international protection two years ago. Advertisement Details of the case outlined that the men were denied housing and were deemed ineligible for daily allowances, leaving them homeless on the streets of Dublin. This was despite EU directives entitling the men to housing, food and allowances upon reception in Ireland. The Irish Government’s case was that the breaches arose from exceptional circumstances – an influx of asylum seekers to these shores – which they said amounted to “force majeure” under EU law. But Medina said that an EU member state cannot invoke force majeure as a defence. While force majeure may apply for a time, it cannot be longer than a reasonable period of time. The EU court has now concluded that the right to dignity is fundamental and that any EU member state will have infringed EU law if it fails to meet the basic needs of people applying for international protection. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Support The Journal Eoghan Dalton Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “European court rules Ireland cannot avoid responsibility for housing asylum seekers ”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “European court rules Ireland cannot avoid responsibility for housing asylum seekers ”. 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