Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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100. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons currently in receipt of financial support under the international protection system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6945/26]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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My department administers the Daily Expenses Allowance which is paid to International Protection Applicants who reside in, or are waiting for, accommodation provided by the International Protection Accommodation Services.

The current weekly Daily Expense Allowance rates of payment are €38.80 per adult and €29.80 per child. In December 2023 an increased rate of €113.80 per week for an adult was introduced where a person is unaccommodated and is on a waiting list for accommodation with the International Protection Accommodation Services.

There were 10,600 recipients of the Daily Expenses Allowance at the end of December 2025, supporting approximately 17,500 persons (adults and children).

In addition, International Protection Applicants who are in employment have access to Working Family Payment and some may qualify for benefit schemes linked to PRSI contributions if they are working for a sufficient period of time.