Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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568. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the options available to a family (details supplied) in relation to access to supports and services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41664/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The Government has made significant changes in terms of providing suitable but sustainable support to Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs). It has agreed Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection in designated state-provided serviced accommodation should receive the same level of payment regardless of when they arrived.

With effect from Monday 9 September, Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection in designated state-provided serviced accommodation are not entitled to social assistance payments but continue to have an entitlement to Child Benefit and to Additional Needs Payments, subject to the normal eligibility criteria. BOTPs residing in Designated Accommodation Centres (DACs) may also still qualify for a Free Travel Pass subject to satisfying the following qualifying conditions: they are aged 66 or older; or they are medically certified as not fit to drive for a period of 12 months or longer; or are blind or visually impaired and meet the medical conditions for Blind Pension.

BOTPs resident in DACs are entitled to a net weekly payment of €38.80 per adult and €29.80 per child, subject to an income test. The Department of Social Protection administers this payment on behalf of my Department.

When a BOTP leaves a DAC or makes their own accommodation arrangements, they are entitled to apply for standard social protection assistance, subject to meeting the standard eligibility conditions.

The Department of Social Protection’s Public Employment Service offers practical, tailored employment services and supports for people seeking work, and for employers.

Employment Services information sessions tailored to the specific entitlements and needs of BOTPs residing in DACs are being delivered on-site in DACs. The Public Employment Service is also available without an appointment at Intreo Centres to all people who wish to avail of it. BOTPs may be invited to attend further appointments with Employment Personal Advisors and Job Coaches to progress their job search and provide any further employment support they might require.

I am advised that the person concerned has already engaged with Employment Services and has been referred to EmployAbility, a service which supports people with disabilities into employment.