Expenditure on daily allowances for international protection applicants almost doubled from €30.4m in 2023 to €60m in 2024, writes Brian Mahon.
The system is an income-tested entitlement paid to international protection applicants who are in, or waiting on, accommodation provided by the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS).
The rate of daily expenses allowance per person is €38.80 per week for an adult and €29.80 for a child, with an increased rate of €113.80 per week available for an adult if the claimant is unaccommodated.
According to audited accounts provided to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) last week, the scheme cost €60.2m last year, a doubling from 2023, when it cost €34.4m.
For the purpose of the income assessment, an income disregard of €60 per week applies, with 60% of the balance of income assessable.
The Daily Expenses Allowance payment stops where a person earns more than €125 per week.
Where a person’s income is less than €60, their allowance is not affected.
A Department of Social Protection spokesman said: “The scheme is demand-led, with expenditure related to the number of applicants for international protection in the IPAS system.
“The number of international protection applicants continued to rise in 2024.
“In December 2023, Government introduced an increased weekly rate of €113.80 for those awaiting an offer of accommodation.
“At the end of December 2024, there were 2,429 persons in receipt of the increased rate.”
The rate of daily expenses allowance per person for Asylum seekers is €38.80 per week for an adult
He said that in June 2024, the department introduced income testing for accommodated applicants receiving the daily expenses allowance of €38.80.
Expenditure for 2024 included spending on Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection in designated State accommodation, totalling almost €9.8m.