Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 November 2025
273. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department will consider providing targeted employment and training supports for women who have left abusive relationships while residing in IPAS, recognising the role of economic independence in breaking cycles of coercive control. [60680/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to ensuring access to the labour market and Intreo employment services for eligible applicants, including women who have left abusive relationships. Employment supports and access to the labour market are available to International Protection (IP) applicants and those granted protection (refugee status or subsidiary protection). In compliance with the EU Reception Conditions Directive (2013/33/EU), IP applicants who have not been granted protection can apply to Immigration Services Delivery for permission to work in the state if they have not received a first instance decision on their application after 5 months. This permission becomes valid after 6 months, and is renewable every 12 months. Once protection is granted, individuals have a right to live and work in Ireland on the same basis as Irish citizens.
My Department's Employment Services, delivered through Intreo, are available to International Protection Applicants with permission to work on a voluntary basis. Those with a labour market permission wishing to avail of an employment support service can contact their local Intreo Centre. An Employment Personal Advisor/Job Coach will engage with them to identify and address any specific potential barriers to employment, such as literacy and numeracy, health, and English language proficiency. Where appropriate, customers may be referred to suitable education, training or development opportunities. Intreo’s Employment Services works closely with education and training boards to facilitate access to relevant training supports, including English language training.
Intreo Employment Services staff engage systematically with those who have been granted International Protection and who are in receipt of a jobseeker's payment.
