The Government is weighing plans to introduce a new charging system for residents of IPAS centres who are currently employed.
Ministers are expected to meet today to consider approving contribution rates ranging from €15 to €238 per week, depending on a person’s income, reports RTE.
It is believed that implementing this model could take between nine and twelve months.
Failure to make payments could result in debt collection proceedings, reports RTE.
However, there are said to be concerns about how realistic it would be to recover these contributions, given the limited enforcement options available.
The Programme for Government includes a pledge that international protection applicants would contribute towards their accommodation costs, reports RTE.
The plan is being advanced by Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan along with Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy.
These proposals will be examined during a Cabinet Committee on Migration meeting on Monday evening, attended by senior officials and Government leaders, reports RTE.
Separately, the meeting will also consider stricter entitlements for Ukrainians living in State-provided accommodation.
Ministers are reviewing the option of cutting the duration of State accommodation for new Ukrainian arrivals from 90 days to 30 days, reports RTE.
Recent months have seen a notable surge in the number of Ukrainians arriving in Ireland under the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive.
Another measure under discussion is to deny accommodation to those who have already received temporary protection in another EU country and then move to Ireland, reports RTE.
These changes could be implemented swiftly.
Additionally, there is a proposal to set a time limit for those in State accommodation who arrived before March 2024, when the rules were updated, reports RTE.
This measure could take effect early next year, with a notice period of six to nine months.
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