Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
909. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the supports and services offered to international protection applicants who are not offered material reception conditions when requesting them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12697/23]
View answerDaily expenses allowance is paid to persons who are accommodated in designated International Protection Accommodation Service centres. I have asked Minister Humphreys for the Department of Social Protection to make arrangements for the payment of a payment similar to the Daily Expenses Allowance to applicants for International Protection who are currently without IPAS accommodation. That Department is making the necessary arrangements to facilitate this request.
Since 23 January 2023, staff from the Department of Social Protection are also present in the IPO for the purposes of accepting applications for PPSNs. These arrangements apply to all applications from individuals applying for international protection, regardless of whether they have an address or not.
If a person is not in IPAS accommodation but indicates they have a need for financial support when they attend at an Intreo Centre to collect their PPSN, they can apply for an additional needs payment under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme. Staff in Intreo Centres are aware of this and are available to assist with applications.
Those who are not accommodated are also offered food vouchers. The HSE is also providing access to health services through a facility in Dublin city centre.
