Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The provision of material reception conditions, including food and health services, for applicants for International Protection who are awaiting a decision on their application, is the responsibility of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS).

My Department administers the daily expenses allowance (DEA) which is paid to protection applicants who reside in accommodation provided by IPAS in order to meet incidental, personal expenses. The allowance is currently paid at a weekly rate of €38.80 per adult and €29.80 per child.

Table 1 shows the annual expenditure for Daily Expenses Allowance from 2020 to the end October 2023. The estimated expenditure for full year 2023 and 2024 is €34.25m and €39.34m respectively. The Daily Expenses Allowance is provided for under the A11.1 sub head in the REV.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Table 1 – Annual Expenditure for Daily Expenses Allowance from 2020 to 2023 (end of Oct)