International Protection

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023

Tuesday, 21 March 2023

Ceisteanna (907)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

907. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if, in light of the recent announcement that one in ten asylum seekers has no accommodation, there are plans to allow members of the public to offer a place to stay to those applying for asylum; if he envisages a payment to homeowners who provide accommodation similar to the accommodation recognition payment currently offered to people who provide a place for Ukrainian refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12679/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

My Department is not considering a scheme or payment for homeowners to offer accommodation to International Protection applicants.

The Accommodation Recognition Payment is a scheme to pay a financial contribution for the hosting of Temporary Protection Beneficiaries from Ukraine, as provided in Part 2 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 and does not provide for the provision of material reception conditions for International Protection applicants.

Work is ongoing to procure accommodation for International Protection applicants in centres across Ireland.

Over 5,000 persons currently accommodated in International Protection accommodation have status and have the same entitlements to accommodation as Irish nationals. They have access to homeless Housing Assistance Payment and to the services of the Peter McVerry Trust and De Paul to help them to move into accommodation in the community.