I propose to take Questions Nos. 904 and 905 together.
S.I. No. 230/2018 - European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018 stipulates that clothing is provided as part of the “material reception conditions”, by way of financial allowance under section 201 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, to applicants for international protection who are awaiting a decision on their application.
Section 201 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 provides for Exceptional Needs Payments as part of the Additional Needs Payments under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme.
The statistical reporting for Additional Needs Payments was revised in 2022 and 2023, to extract more complete information, including identification of such payments to international protection applicants.
Statistics for Additional Needs Payments are prepared and published on a quarterly basis. Table 1 shows the annual expenditure under the clothing category to international protection applicants for 2022 and 2023. Figures for 2020 and 2021 specifically relating to payments to international protection applicants, are not available.
It should be noted that in addition, applicants for international protection can access the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance to assist with the cost of uniforms and footwear for children going to school.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Table 1 – Annual expenditure under the clothing category for international protection applicants for 2022 and 2023
|
Year
|
Expenditure
|
|
2022
|
€990,000
|
|
2023
|
€1,600,0000
|
