Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said it is “the fair thing to do” for International Protection applicants who are employed to make contributions towards the cost of their food and accommodation.
Speaking on his way into a Cabinet meeting this morning, Mr Martin said he expects the measure to be introduced within the next nine months, reports RTE.
“This Government, established nine months ago, said we were going to do this.
“Obviously, there has to be an administrative capacity established to enable that to happen, but it’s the fair thing to do if people are working that they would make a contribution to their accommodation and food,” he said.
Tánaiste Simon Harris said that “migration is a good thing” but stressed the importance of having “a system that has rules applied,” reports RTE.
“That’s why some of the measures we’ve been working on are about that, making sure that people who are in International Protection but earning a living are paying a contribution, as is allowed for under European regulations since 2018.
“Making sure that if you don’t have a right to be here that actually you are asked to leave, and if you don’t leave, that you do leave,” Mr Harris said.
The Tánaiste added that the measure should be implemented “more quickly.”
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“It is in the Programme for Government, it’s not an optional extra,” he said, reports RTE.
“It’s not any idea for belonging to any one party, any one minister, any one party leader.
“Minister O’Callaghan and Minister Brophy have done good work on it.
“I expect the proposals to come forward within the next few weeks.
“What I want to establish though is the principle, a principle that is fair, progressive and socially cohesive, that if you’re earning a living, as you’re entitled to do, that you’re then paying your way and I think that’s a perfectly fair thing to do,” he added.
Mr Harris also said Ireland must be “pragmatic” and recognise that “there is a limit to what this country can do” when it comes to providing accommodation for Ukrainians, reports RTE.
This follows a Government decision to reduce the period new arrivals from Ukraine can remain in State-provided accommodation from 90 days to 30 days.
Mr Harris described the change as “balanced” and said it is “more than other countries are doing.”
“We have, again, a proud record of supporting people from Ukraine.
“They’re making a very fine contribution to our country, and we stand with Ukraine.
“But we’ve also seen a very significant increase in the number of people coming from Ukraine.
“There is a limit to what this country can do and therefore you have to respond with pragmatism.
“And instead of saying we can provide people with accommodation for 90 days, but then leave other people with no accommodation, we need to put a 30-day rule in place,” he said, reports RTE.
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