Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The extension of the directive, which expires in March 2025, as I said to the Deputy, is a matter for the Minister for Justice. She is discussing that and we will decide that as part of an EU response. I have already signalled that I do not think it is sustainable long-term that people would get their accommodation provided for and receive full social welfare payments. We will look at that. It is not a decision I can make on my own. There have to be discussions with party leaders. We need to make a decision as a Government and we will do that. The legislation to reduce payments for new arrivals took effect only in March, and it is only April now. As I said, I will discuss this with the party leaders, the Ministers, Deputies O'Gorman and McEntee, and other Government colleagues and we will come up with a pathway forward on it.

See this speech in context