Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2024
448. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware of media reports that social protection payments may have been issued to international protection applicants who were not entitled to same; if so, the steps that will be taken to recoup such payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24860/24]
View answerMy department administers the Daily Expenses Allowance which is paid to protection applicants who reside in, or are waiting for, accommodation provided by the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS).
The current weekly rates of payment are €38.80 per adult and €29.80 per child. An increased rate of €113.80 per week for an adult applies where a person is unaccommodated and is on a waiting list for IPAS accommodation.
An income assessment is being introduced for the Daily Expenses Allowance with effect from June 2024, for persons 18 years or over. Income testing was not previously part of the Daily Expenses Allowance and therefore the matter of the recoupment of payments from those with other income in respect of the period before June does not arise.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
