John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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1436. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is considering the measures proposed by an organisation (details supplied) with regard to direct provision and asylum seekers in Budget 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38517/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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While an application for international protection is being examined by the International Protection Office, the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) provides accommodation and related services to international protection applicants (IPAs) who wish to accept the offer of accommodation from the Irish State.

This offering includes food and utilities while the person is an IPA. Access to public medical services is provided and a weekly personal allowance is also paid to each person. In 2021, this was increased to €38.80 for adults and €29.80 for children.

After six months in Ireland, IPAs are eligible to work if they have not received a first instance decision on their application.

In some cases, where a resident is experiencing undue hardship, they may also be entitled to an Additional Needs Payment. Additional Needs Payments are paid under Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is administered by the Community Welfare Service (CWS) of the Department of Social Protection. An Additional Needs Payment application is reviewed by a Community Welfare Officer (CWO) who makes a decision based on the individual's circumstances. Each application is dealt with on a case by case basis.

The issue of income supports for international protection applicant children is currently under consideration in the reform process underway within the framework of the White Paper to End Direct Provision and to Establish a New International Protection Support Service.

At present, the funding of IPAS accommodation and ancillary services, are met solely by the Exchequer. Any increase in payments will be considered under the budgetary process.

Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein)
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1437. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of 18-25-year-olds, per county that have been granted leave to remain that are currently residing in a direct provision centre, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38526/23]

Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein)
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1438. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of 18-30-year-olds, per county, that have been granted leave to remain that are currently residing in a direct provision centre, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38527/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1437 and 1438 together.

A response will issue to the Deputy in respect of the correspondence cited in the coming days.