‘MONEY NO OBSTACLE’ AS TOP CIVIL SERVANT CONFIRMS HOUSING AND INCOMES SUPPORTS FOR ASYLUM APPLICANTS

Gript –

Dr Fergal Lynch, Secretary General of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Affairs has confirmed details on the kind of supports that will be put in place to assist those within the International Protection system, or asylum process, to live independently in the community.

Dr Lynch made his remarks during a meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Public Petitions which was discussing the progress being made on implementing the Governments White Paper on Direct Provision.

The White Paper contains a commitment to phase out the current Direct Provision system by the end of December 2024 when the new accommodation is scheduled to be fully rolled out.

This would see applicants moved to ‘own-door’ or Turn-Key housing occupancy after a maximum of four months in a Reception and Integration Centre.

Dr Lynch confirmed that services to be provided to applicants will include an income support approach that will most likely involve supplementary welfare allowance or an equivalent rate of payment for phase two applicants once they leave phase one. This will include Child Support payments.