Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
858. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on measures he is taking to ensure a financial contribution is made by employed and self-employed IPAS residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30667/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2025 Programme for Government included a commitment to introducing a contribution model for people in international protection accommodation.
A proposal for working international protection applicants to contribute to the cost of their IPAS accommodation was considered by Government in November 2025 and is now being progressed by the Department.
IPAS Accommodation is provided for in EU regulations and transposed into Irish law. Statutory Instrument No 230/2018, European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018, provides that all IP applicants are entitled to Material Reception Conditions. The Regulations further provide that where a resident is in receipt of an income above a certain level, they may be required to make a contribution to the cost of providing reception condition services. The contribution rates are set out in a Schedule to the Regulations and are proportionate to the amount that people earn.
The contribution to cost scheme will be implemented within a planned 12-month period, allowing for the development of systems and resources to assess eligibility, share data securely and collect and process payments.
The implementation process, which is underway, will include procurement of an appropriate third-party provider service, and this procurement process will involve further detailed analysis as the scheme comes into operation including determining the implementation cost.
The introduction of this contribution for international protection applicants who are working and earning an income is aligned with processes already in place in other EU member states.
The scheme will have a review and appeals process incorporated into the process as it is developed for implementation. Introduction of the contribution model is expected by the end of 2026.
