legal and social conditions for asylum seekers and refugees in ...

SOCIAL CONDITIONS FOR PERSONS UNDER TEMPORARY PROTECTION
Introduction/legal basis
Housing
The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform have failed to implement any legislation on
the rights of individuals with temporary leave to remain in Ireland. However, their general welfare
is included in the Social Welfare Consolidation Act of 1991. Indeed, this is an area of legislation
where the rights and entitlements of these individuals are outlined.
Persons with temporary protection are entitled to emergency accommodation. They may also live
in accommodation in the private rented sector. However, like asylum seekers, they too have
problems finding housing due to language barriers, racial discrimination, lack of availability, and
landlords who may be reluctant to accept tenants in receipt of rent allowance. They are not
allowed to apply for council housing.
Freedom of residence/movement
Persons with temporary leave to remain are permitted to travel within Ireland. They must apply for
a travel document if they wish to travel abroad. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
can refuse to issue a travel document, in the interest of national security or public policy.
Financial assistance
– Persons with temporary leave to remain are eligible to work, and as a result receive
unemployment benefit, which is paid on a weekly basis as follows:
Single person IEP 72 EUR 91.4
Couple IEP 115.20 EUR 146.2
For each child IEP 13.20 EUR 16.7
– Persons with temporary leave to remain may also receive rent allowance in order to rent
private accommodation. The maximum amounts are as follows:
Single person IEP 70 per week EUR 88.8
Couple IEP 110 per week EUR 139.6
Single person (sharing in a house) IEP 55 per week EUR 69.8
Single parent with child IEP 600 per month EUR 761.8
Couple with a child IEP 600 per month EUR 761.8
Families sharing a house IEP 700 per month EUR 888.8
– Exceptional payments may also be granted by the Health Board, on a discretionary basis,
such as a clothing allowance, fuel allowance or maternity allowance. All these benefits are means
tested.
Child benefit may also be granted for children of persons with temporary leave to remain
under 16 and for those between 16 and 18 in full-time education. The monthly amounts are as
follows:
First child IEP 34.50 EUR 43.8
Second child IEP 34.50 EUR 43.8
Each subsequent child IEP 46 EUR 58.4
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Ireland