Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
1267. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will expand the rent-a-room scheme to allow households who have an available bedroom to rent it to asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17665/23]
View answerPolicy on rent a room schemes is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Housing. Work is ongoing to procure accommodation for International Protection applicants across the country.
It is important to note that over 5,000 persons currently accommodated in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres have a status that allows them to remain in Ireland and they have the same entitlements to accommodation as Irish nationals.
People with status have access to the Housing Assistance Payment and to the services of the Peter McVerry Trust and De Paul to help them to move out of IPAS accommodation and into accommodation in the community such as private rental and rent a room offers.
