Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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637. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an update on efforts to ensure that employed or self-employed IPAS applicants, living in State-provided accommodation, will contribute to the costs incurred by the State, as set out in Article 5(2) of S.I. No. 230 of 2018 (Reception Conditions Regulations); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5620/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Thank you for your question, Deputy.

My Department is developing recommendations for Government on a contribution model for people in international protection accommodation.

The overall purpose of this proposal is to ensure equity and fairness in accommodation-related contributions sought from people across all of society, including those in international protection accommodation.

Many other EU Member States operate some form of contribution model in this sector. The income limits and contribution rates used vary from country to country and the income is determined mainly by self-declaration.

IPAS is currently providing accommodation to almost 33,000 people, of whom over 9,000 are children. IPAS is responsible for the provision of accommodation and related services to IP applicants who wish to accept an offer of accommodation from the State. This offering includes all meals and utilities. Full access to public medical services is available.

A weekly personal allowance of €38.80 per adult is also paid to those eligible. Many applicants are working, which they can apply for a permit to do after 5 months in Ireland.

On foot of Government approval to conduct an overall review of entitlements for those within the international protection system, my Department was asked by Government to explore options for adults in receipt of income who are resident in international protection accommodation to make an income-based contribution to accommodation costs. This work is ongoing and will soon be a matter for the Department of Justice, which is taking over policy responsibility for integration and migration.

The proposals will aim to ensure that:

• State entitlements for residents of IPAS accommodation are in line with current legal frameworks including EU and national legislation.
• We maintain solidarity with EU Member States by aligning, in so far as possible, with what is offered by our European counterparts.
• Entitlements are administered in an equitable manner across the system, taking into account the variances in income levels among our resident