Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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1820. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to a case (details supplied); the actions he is taking to ensure that this behaviour is prevented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42182/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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International Protection applicants are not eligible to apply for standard social welfare benefits or payments, including Child Benefit. Individuals applying for International Protection may be eligible to receive a Daily Expenses Allowance (DEA) from the Department of Social Protection, if they reside in, or are awaiting placement in, accommodation provided by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.

The Department of Social Protection administers DEA payments on behalf of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. Payments are paid weekly at designated post offices. To collect a payment, recipients are required to produce identification including their Public Services Card at the post office and must collect their allowance in-person each week within a specified timeframe. Failure to do so may result in suspension or cessation of payments.

The standard weekly rate of DEA is €38.80 per adult and €29.80 per child. A higher rate of €113.80 per week applies to adults who remain unaccommodated while on the IPAS waiting list. For adult recipients engaged in employment for more than 12 weeks, an income assessment applies to determine continued eligibility.

There are a number of control checks in place to ensure people, including International Protection Applicants, in receipt of payments continue to meet the conditions for the payment they receive, including checks to ensure they are resident in the country. These checks include in person attendance at Intreo Centres, review of scheme entitlement, and collection of payment in person at the Post Office.