Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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118. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will consider increasing the residential income maintenance payment for persons living in direct provision here; and the reason for this decision. [19332/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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There are no plans at present to increase the weekly allowance of €19.10 per adult and €15.60 per child paid to those living in State provided accommodation while their application for international protection is being considered.

The range of services and facilities offered free of any charge to those in the protection process who avail of State provided accommodation include

- full board accommodation with related provisions and services.

- the same public health services as Irish citizens and on the same basis as Irish citizens.

- medical screening on arrival in the State.

- a medical card whereby they are eligible to receive a range of health services free of charge, including GP services and prescribed medicines.

- waiver on prescription charges.

- HSE supports which include the public health nurse service as well as a dedicated asylum seeker psychological service.

- access to primary and post-primary education on the same basis as an Irish citizen.

- English language supports.

- ECCE preschool services on the same basis as an Irish citizen.

- on-site preschool and homework clubs where available.

- access to third level education under a Department of Education scheme.

- access to a free bus service where the centre is located away from an urban area.

- access to ENPs such as payments in respect of school uniforms; needs arising from the birth of a new baby (i.e., prams-buggies, etc), which are generally provided through the Community Welfare Officer (CWO), in addition to the weekly DP allowance.