International Protection applicants given €60m in daily allowances
Some €60.2 million was spent providing 'daily allowances' to 20,749 people in International Protection Accommodation Services in 2024.
This was up from €34.4m given to 19,612 people the previous year, despite the introduction of means testing in June, 2024.
The figures were released to Fine Gael TD Barry Ward following a parliamentary question to Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary.
International Protection Applicants can get a weekly allowance of €38.80 for adults and €29.80 per child.
If the Government is unable to provide international protection applicants with accommodation, this increases to €113.80 per week.
Since June 2024, the Department of Social Protection has means-tested the allowance for those over 18 and 'getting an income for 12 weeks or more'.
Those earning more than €125 a week do not receive the payment, while those earning between €61 and €124 receive a reduced rate.
Mr Calleary explained: 'Since June 2024, an income assessment is in effect for Daily Expenses Allowance recipients over 18, where the recipient has income for a total of 12 weeks or more.
'For couples or families, the Daily Expenses Allowance payment for the person who has income may be reduced or withdrawn.
'This will not affect any payments other family members are getting, including children.'
In response to Deputy Ward, Minister Calleary confirmed that provisional figures show that €60.2m was paid to 20,749 in receipt of the allowance in 2024. Mr Calleary said at the end of last year, 12,900 received the payment, 14,200 adults and 6,600 kids. Despite the introduction of means testing, the average allowance was €2,901, up from €1,754.
Mr Calleary said: 'It should be noted that 2024 expenditure includes the higher rate of payment to support applicants who were unaccommodated and on a waiting list for International Protection Accommodation Services, which was introduced in December 2023. The 2024 figure also includes expenditure of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection [Ukrainian Refugees] residing in State accommodation, €9.8m.'
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