Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1470. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if, given increasing public concern and anecdotal reports, he is aware of instances of individuals who have claimed asylum in the Republic of Ireland who are also travelling to and from the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland, after having made similar claims in that jurisdiction; if there is any evidence that such individuals may be in receipt of social welfare or State supports from both jurisdictions concurrently; and the bilateral mechanisms currently in place between Irish and UK authorities to monitor and prevent potential cross-Border fraud of this nature, particularly following the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union. [44729/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland and the United Kingdom (UK) share a long history and common interest in the effective operation of the Common Travel Area (CTA) and work together to prevent any abuses of the CTA.

There is extensive engagement, cooperation and data-sharing at all levels between my Department’s officials and UK Home Office counterparts, as well as significant operational cooperation between the Gardaí, UK Border Force, UK policing services and the Police Service of Northern Ireland in relation to both immigration and criminal matters. This strong practical engagement and cooperation serves the mutual interests of both Ireland and the UK, and will continue.

The Common Travel Area Forum (CTAF) acts as a steering committee for the ongoing work of protecting the CTA in relation to free movement of its citizens between both countries while at the same time ensuring that the CTA is not abused by those not entitled to avail of it. The Forum meets twice yearly but also meets in sub-group format to address particular elements of Ireland/UK co-operation, bringing together relevant subject matter expertise in various areas.

The Programme for Government also commits to carrying out joint threat analysis with other jurisdictions and ensure technology supports stronger border screening. The joint risk assessment forms part of the CTAF work programme and is an opportunity to share and compare information about migration into and within UK and Ireland.

While the matter raised by the Deputy relating to welfare payments do not fall within the remit of my Department, I have been informed by the Department of Social Protection that International Protection applicants are not eligible to apply for standard social welfare benefits or payments.

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).

DEA 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.

I have been further informed that 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, reviews of scheme entitlement, use of the Revenue Real Time system regarding employment status, and collection of payment in person at the Post Office.