As of 17 April 2023, 517 people remain unaccommodated by IPAS. 373 people who were initially not accommodated have subsequently been accommodated as of 17 April. Offers of accommodation are made as soon as such accommodation is available, most recently last Wednesday.
The Government is aware of its obligations to provide material reception conditions to international protection applicants under the EU Recast Reception Conditions Directive (SI 230 of 2018). Material reception conditions include accommodation, 3 meals per day, utilities, a full medical card and the Daily Expenses Allowance (DEA) which is €38.80 per adult and €29.80 per child.
The DEA is paid to persons who are accommodated in designated International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation and those in Citywest transit hub.
My Department has recently liaised with the Department of Social Protection (DSP) to ensure payment of a payment equivalent to the DEA to IPAs who are currently without IPAS accommodation. DSP have confirmed payments will be backdated from the individual's arrival date.
If a person is not in IPAS accommodation but indicates they have a need for financial support when attending a local Intreo Centre, they can apply for an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme. An ANP is reviewed by a Community Welfare Officer (CWO) who makes a decision based on the individual's circumstances. Applications are dealt with on a case by case basis.
Those who are not accommodated are also offered food vouchers to the value of €50 and given contact details for the Capuchin Day Centre.
My Department is currently working with a number of partners to expand the services provided to applicants who are not accommodated on arrival.
My Department is also continuing to make every effort to source accommodation for applicants. However, the sourcing of accommodation for single males in particular is extremely challenging at present.
