Government sets out new migration and asylum policies

By Bairbre Holmes, PA

Asylum seekers could have to pay up to €1,000 a month to live in tented accommodation under new rules introduced by the Government.

Speaking to reporters after cabinet on Wednesday, Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan outlined a range of new migration and asylum measures which have received Government approval.

One would see those living in international protection accommodation pay a contribution towards their accommodation of up to 39.6 per cent of their income.

The potential payments could range from 15 euro a week for those earning between €97.01 and €150 a week, to €238 a week for anyone earning more than €600 a week.

Mr O’Callaghan said the policy would apply to those living in tented accommodation and those in employment would have to make a contribution regardless of “the quality of accommodation provided” by the (International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS).

When asked if the Government should provide higher standard accommodation if residents are required to pay a substantial proportion of their salaries to live in it, Mr O’Callaghan said: “If you’re earning money through work, you don’t have to live in IPAS accommodation.”

Other measures announced by Mr O’Callaghan, who is also Minister for Migration, include an updated policy for family reunification for people from non-European Economic Countries.

It includes new rules on the type of family members who will be allowed to apply, new income thresholds to bring dependants to Ireland and a requirement for applicants to have “suitable accommodation” for those they are hoping to bring to Ireland.

Mr O’Callaghan said Ireland’s population grew by 1.6 per cent last year, which is seven times the EU average, and said the “rate of increase does require a policy response”.