Written answers

Wednesday, 20 March 2024

Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Direct Provision System

Photo of Peadar TóibínPeadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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1095. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons residing in the direct provision system currently who have been granted asylum in the State but are economically unable to leave the direct provision system. [11695/24]

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is currently accommodating nearly 27,000 people in over 200 accommodation centres throughout Ireland. Of these 27,000 people, approximately 6,000 have been granted Permission to Remain. Data relating to the economic position of persons granted permission is not collated.

Under The European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018, those who have had their application determined are no longer entitled to Material Reception conditions. However, International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) continues to accommodate those with status, until such time that they progress into the community.

All those with Permission to Remain are written to once status has been granted and are advised they must now seek alternative accommodation. They are also advised that the supports of the Peter McVerry Trust (PMVT)/ DePaul are available to them.

Those with status for the greatest length of time are currently are offered a transfer to alternative emergency accommodation. Since January 2024, over 800 people with status have left IPAS accommodation and progressed into the community. This process began in September 2022

IPAS has a specific Transition team who work in collaboration with DePaul Ireland, the PMVT, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Local Authorities to support residents with status to exit IPAS accommodation and access other housing options.

Those with status have the same housing entitlements as Irish Citizens and are supported to register with a Local Authority and, if required, to avail of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) to secure alternative accommodation. In addition, those with status have the same social welfare entitlements as Irish Citizens.

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