Irish government could charge asylum seekers for accommodation

Asylum seekers who are working may be charged up to €238 (£208) per week to cover the cost of their accommodation, under plans being considered by Irish ministers.There were 32,774 international protection applicants living in state-provided accommodation in the Republic of Ireland, as of last July.Ireland has seen higher numbers of people seeking asylum and refuge in recent years than ever before.Proposals to charge asylum seekers for accommodation come as part of wider plans by the Irish government to reduce supports for asylum seekers.

The Irish government is now planning to charge international protection applicants who have jobs but live in state accommodation from €15 (£13) to €238 (£208) per week under proposals seen by BBC NI.The plans are being brought forward by Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan and his junior minister Colm Brophy.

Tánaiste (deputy prime minister) Simon Harris faced backlash last week from some opposition parties for saying Ireland’s asylum system is not working.He also said the government should reconsider existing policies “in a very serious way”.Plans to charge asylum seekers, who are working, to cover the cost of their accommodation will be considered by senior Irish ministers and top government officials at a meeting of the cabinet sub-committee on migration on Monday.

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