Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal West, Sinn Fein)
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509. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of children currently residing in IPAS accommodation who are eligible for child benefit as opposed to the DEA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35291/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Child Benefit is a monthly payment made to families with children up to the age of 16 years. Currently, the payment continues to be paid in respect of children until their 19th birthday where they are in full-time education or have a disability.

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 Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. Those who accept such 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 administer the Daily Expenses Allowance which is paid to international protection applicants who reside in accommodation provided by the International Protection Accommodation Services, in order to meet incidental, personal expenses. As of May, of this year, there were 6,832 children residing in IPAS-provided accommodation in respect of whom daily expenses allowance is being paid.

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.