Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
1209. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware that an organisation (details supplied) proposed actions in relation to the well-being of people seeking asylum, most of which are based on the Government commissioned Catherine Day Advisory Group; if he will work with his ministerial colleagues to action these recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16945/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Government made a commitment in the Programme for Government to end the current system of accommodation for International Protection applicants and replace it with a new model that is based on a not for profit approach. As part of this process I published A White Paper to end Direct Provision and to Establish a new International Protection Support Service on 26 February 2021. This paper sets out a new approach for accommodating applicants that seek International Protection in Ireland and will replace the current system. Since publishing the White Paper my Department has placed a significant focus and drive on delivering these reforms. A revised implementation plan is being developed to take account of the impact of the war in Ukraine and of the significant increase in international protection applicant arrivals which is greatly in excess of the assumptions underpinning the Catherine Day Advisory Group report.
In relation to the specific issues raised in relation to persons with status, international protection applicants who have been granted an international protection status (refugee status or subsidiary protection status) or a permission to remain have the same access to housing supports and services as Irish and EEA nationals, including to rent a room schemes. The tools of Homeless HAP are available to those with status in IPAS accommodation once the LA has assessed them as eligible for such.
There are a number of supports available to persons with status to assist in accessing housing in the community when leaving accommodation centres. The Department has a specific team in IPAS who work in collaboration with DePaul Ireland, the Peter McVerry Trust, officials in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the County and City Management Association to collectively support residents with status, or a permission to remain, to access housing options.
In addition to assisting with housing applications, both DePaul Ireland and the Peter McVerry Trust support the person’s integration into the community as fully as possible. This includes providing information about vocational and training courses, such as suitability, locations and eligibility, CV preparation and aid with medical issues, should they arise.”
The right to work was introduced in June 2018 for all applicants who have not had a first decision on their claim within 9 months. In January 2021 a new measure was introduced allowing applicants to seek work 6 months after they make their application, and extending their permission to work to 12 months (up from 6 months). Any further questions on the right to work should be directed to Department of Justice.
International protection applicants who are not initially accommodated at the time of their application for international protection can access a payment which is the equivalent of the Daily Expenses Allowance. They are also entitled to access Exceptional Needs Payments.
My Department is working intensively to respond to the current demand for accommodation for international protection applicant arrivals and will continue to prioritise the implementation of the reforms set out in the White Paper.
