Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020
381. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons seeking asylum who have moved out of direct provision accommodation in order to avoid overcrowding and are now residing elsewhere still qualify for their direct provision allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31133/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplicants for International Protection accommodated under the system of Direct Provision operated by the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) of the Department of Justice and Equality are provided with full board, accommodation and other services.
My Department administers the daily expenses allowance (DEA) which is paid to protection applicants who live in the direct provision system.
The Government has provided €13.1 million for the allowance in 2020. The weekly rates of payment were increased in Budget 2019 from €21.60 per adult and per child to €38.80 per adult and to €29.80 per child. There are approximately 4,470 adults and 1,900 children residing in the system of direct provision in respect of whom daily expenses allowance is being paid.
As part of the measures introduced at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, IPAS gave all residents the option to stay with family, friends or in private accommodation. Their IPAS accommodation was held for them and they could continue to receive Daily Expenses Allowance. These arrangements are still in place and my Department continues to engage with IPAS to keep the situation under review.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
