If the Government proceeds with its proposal to cut or withdraw daily expense allowances, it should consider expanding child benefit or a similar provision to families living in direct provision, according to refugee support groups. There has been scepticism from civil-society organisations about the Government’s decision to publicise the new income assessment for those applying for international protection ahead of polling day, pointing out that this authority has been in place for a considerable period.
The Department of Social Protection revealed last week its intention to introduce means-testing for daily expense allowances given to those over 18 residing in direct provision and international protection situations. This suggestion arose amid worries that some asylum seekers who work continue to receive allowances.
The power to carry out means testing on the income of individuals applying for international protection and residing in Government-provided accommodation has been vested with the State since 2018, when Ireland agreed to the European Union Reception Conditions Directive (recast). The Department of Justice, when granting asylum seekers the right to work in 2018, indicated that employed individuals may be obliged to pay towards their accommodation costs under this directive.
The directive permits the Government to cease the daily expense allowance if an individual’s weekly earnings surpass the support payment over a three-month period.
However, without taking the time for proper communication and evaluation of its effects, implementing a means-tested system could have serious negative consequences for families and children who are already struggling with ‘inadequate’ payments, warned Nick Henderson, the CEO of the Irish Refugee Council.
The evidence, including our research from last autumn, shows that the daily expense allowance is insufficient, failing to provide enough support for recipients to achieve the minimum essential standard of living. This payment amount has remained unchanged since 2018. Henderson commented, “We’d have serious worries about the effect of this proposal.”
CEO of the Nasc migrant rights group, Fiona Hurley, cautioned that without proper assessment, the proposed measure could put more families into poverty and deprive individuals who are saving to move out of direct provision of vital resources.
Ms Hurley expressed concern over the lack of consultation in the implementation of a mechanism that has been at the disposal for quite some time. She highlighted the longstanding warnings regarding child poverty levels by NGOs and ombudsmen, advocating for appropriate discussions.
Lucky Khambule, leading the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland, proposed earlier work rights for those seeking international protection. This, he believes, would lead to self-sufficiency, diminishing the complete reliance on state support. Five months into their application for protection, asylum seekers have the right to request work rights. The advisory group of 2020, spearheaded by Catherine Day, suggested this provision be made within three months of filing an asylum application.
Mr. Khambule supports the idea of granting work rights immediately after registering for international protection. Pointing out that granting work rights to over 100,000 Ukrainians didn’t affect the country, he argues that doing the same for asylum seekers won’t cause harm. He criticises the fear-based approach to asylum, mentioning the deplorable living conditions despite people continuing to arrive. He advocates for a proper system, dismissing the fear of a potential pull factor.
Those seeking international protection and living in state-provided shelters receive a weekly stipend of €38.80 for an adult and €29.80 for a child. Those without a roof over their heads and awaiting accommodation get a heightened adult rate of €113.80 per week. Current government data shows 30,463 individuals, including 7,494 children, seeking international protection and residing in state-funded shelters. Around 1,923 men are on the waiting list for accommodation.