Direct provision was established in 2000 to house asylum seekers as a result of unprecedented number of asylum-seeking applicants arriving in Ireland. It was initially seen as an interim solution to provide accommodation while individuals waited for their applications to be processed. In 2016, the average stay was 32 months but some individuals have remained under direct provision for several years.
Under direct provision most individuals are provided with food and a small weekly allowance. Asylum seekers are not allowed to cook their own food and there have been many complaints about the quality of food. The ban on asylum-seekers taking employment in Ireland was found to be unconstitutional in February 2018. However, asylum seekers must apply for permission to work and many are still unable to obtain employment.