Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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386. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will consider extending access to child benefit payments to asylum seekers and those in direct provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9486/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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To receive Child Benefit in Ireland, parents must be habitually resident in the State. Applicants for International Protection do not satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition and are therefore not eligible for Child Benefit.

Applicants for International Protection, who are awaiting a decision on their application, are offered accommodation by the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Those who accept IPAS accommodation are provided with material reception conditions, including food and health services together with other facilities and services designed to ensure their needs are met while seeking the protection of the State.

My Department administers the daily expenses allowance which is paid to protection applicants who reside in accommodation provided by IPAS in order to meet incidental, personal expenses. The Government has provided €20.15 million for the allowance in 2022. The current weekly rates of payment are €38.80 per adult and €29.80 per child. There are approximately 10,100 adults and 2,100 children residing in IPAS provided accommodation in respect of whom daily expenses allowance is being paid.

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.