Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
1269. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will increase the direct provision allowance, given that welfare allowances have been increased several times while the direct provision allowance of €38.80 per week remains unchanged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17667/23]
View answerWhile an application for international protection is being examined by the International Protection Office, the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) provides accommodation and related services to international protection applicants (IPAs) who wish to accept the offer of accommodation from the Irish State.
This offering includes food and utilities while the person is an IPA. Access to public medical services is provided and a weekly personal allowance is also paid to each person.
In 2021, this was increased to €38.80 for adults and €29.80 for children.
The issue of income support for international protection applicants is considered within the context of the reform process underway under the framework of the White Paper to End Direct Provision and to Establish a new International Protection Support Service. The issue of the rate of the current allowance will be considered within the budgetary process for 2024.
It is important to note that after six months in Ireland, international protection applicants are eligible to work if they have not received a first instance decision on their application.
In some cases, where a resident is experiencing financial hardship, they may also be entitled to an Additional Needs Payment. Additional Needs Payments are paid under Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is administered by the Community Welfare Service (CWS) of the Department of Social Protection. An Additional Needs Payment application is reviewed by a Community Welfare Officer (CWO) who makes a decision based on the individual's circumstances. Each application is dealt with on a case by case basis.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
