Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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86. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if, following the report of the Advisory Group on the Provision of Support including Accommodation to Persons in the International Projections Process, there are plans to increase the direct provision allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15049/23]

Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is the lead department for all matters relating to the provision of support for applicants for international protection.

The report by the Advisory Group on the Provision of Support including Accommodation to Persons in the International Protections Process, chaired by Dr Catherine Day, was published in September 2020.

A White Paper to End Direct Provision was subsequently adopted by the Government in February 2021.

The Department of Social Protection currently administers the Daily Expenses Allowance to applicants for international protection who are directly provided with meals and accommodation by the International Protection Accommodation Services. This weekly payment is provided in order to meet personal expenses.

The Government has provided €20.15 million for this allowance in 2023. The current weekly rates of payment are €38.80 per adult and €29.80 per child. There are approximately 10,600 adults and 2,300 children residing in IPAS provided accommodation in respect of whom daily expenses allowance is being paid.

Any increase to the current rate of daily expenses allowance is a matter for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and would have to be approved by Government.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.