Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023
499. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 464, 465, 467, 468 and 469 of 14 November 2023, what proportion of children in the international protection system will be entitled to the new payment provided for by Budget 2024; and the eligibility criteria for same. [52061/23]
View answerThe introduction of an International Protection Child Payment (IPCP) is a key commitment in the White Paper to End Direct Provision and to Establish a New International Protection Support Service. The IPCP will contribute towards the cost of raising a child, protect against child poverty, and enable participation in Irish society. The IPCP is an important commitment to help address the high rates of poverty experienced by this group of children in keeping with the particular focus on child poverty in Budget 2024.
It is proposed the IPCP will be a payment of €140 per month, or €32.11 per week.
International Protection Applicant children up to the age of 18, who are residing in IPAS accommodation and are awaiting a decision are eligible for the IPCP. The IPCP will be paid in respect of all eligible children.
As part of the Budget process, I secured €4.7m to provide for the IPCP in 2024. As the IPCP is a new development measure, a business case for sanction on its establishment has now been prepared and submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform in line with the rules and procedures governing public spending.
The proportion of children in the international protection system who will be eligible for the IPCP at any given time is variable. When a family residing in IPAS accommodation receive a positive decision and apply for mainstream social welfare support they will no longer be eligible for the IPCP however they may be remaining in IPAS accommodation while searching for housing.
