Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced a weekly payment of €75 for asylum seekers facing accommodation challenges in a plan set to be presented to the Cabinet. Described as a temporary measure by government sources, this move aligns with practices observed in other European Union states. Tánaiste Micheál Martin has expressed the government’s apprehension regarding the potential health and safety risks associated with asylum seekers resorting to sleeping in tents.
According to figures from the Department of Integration, 32 international protection applicants were not offered state-provided accommodation upon presenting to the International Protection Office. The department, citing a severe shortage, acknowledged its inability to provide accommodation for all international protection applicants. As a result, tents and sleeping bags will be provided where needed, raising concerns about the well-being of those facing potential street homelessness.
Over the weekend, 107 individuals were accommodated; however, the state is unable to provide housing for everyone. Notably, women and children will still be accommodated. With over 100,000 people currently seeking accommodation in Ireland, including 74,000 Ukrainians who have fled the war and 26,000 international protection applicants, the department attributed accommodation shortages to various uncontrollable factors.
In response to the crisis, drop-in day services will be available, offering access to showers, meals, and laundry facilities. The government is actively engaging with stakeholders to prevent international protection applicants from becoming street homeless, acknowledging the challenging situation and planning a comprehensive assessment later this week. Minister Roderic O’Gorman has hinted at potential additional support measures, including an increase in the weekly allowance of €38.80 for international protection applicants not offered accommodation. The situation has raised significant concerns from organisations, including the Irish Refugee Council and the Children’s Rights Alliance, highlighting the vulnerability of individuals, especially young men, to potential harm, violence, and exploitation on the streets.
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