Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has called on the Government to publish a definitive timeline for the introduction of accommodation contributions for working international protection applicants residing in State-funded accommodation.
In response to a Parliamentary Question from Deputy Tóibín, the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration confirmed that international protection applicants currently make no financial contribution towards the cost of their accommodation, despite legal provisions already existing for such a scheme. The Minister stated that an accommodation contribution scheme is currently in development and is expected to be introduced during 2026 but did not provide a definitive implementation date.
The Minister further confirmed that contributions under the proposed scheme could rise to €238 per week for individuals earning more than €600 per week. The Department also stated that systems are currently being developed to assess eligibility, share data securely and collect payments, including the procurement of a third-party payment collection service.
The proposed scheme comes at a time when increasing numbers of international protection applicants are participating in the workforce. Figures released by the Minister in response to a separate Parliamentary Question from Deputy Tóibín show that 76,520 labour market access permissions have been granted to international protection applicants between 2020 and July 2026.
The Deputy said “The Minister has confirmed that working international protection applicants currently make no contribution towards the cost of their accommodation despite legislation already allowing for such contributions.”
“This issue has become increasingly important as more applicants enter the workforce. Government figures show that more than 76,500 labour market access permissions have been granted since 2020.
Where a person is earning an income and residing in State-funded accommodation, it is reasonable that they make an appropriate contribution towards the cost of that accommodation.”
“The Government has indicated that charges of up to €238 per week may apply under the new system. However, despite discussing this issue for a considerable period of time, Ministers are still unable to provide a definitive commencement date.”
“The principle that those who can contribute should contribute is widely understood and accepted.
What is missing is clarity from Government. There should now be a clear implementation plan, a firm commencement date and full transparency regarding the expected costs and revenues associated with the scheme.”
“Taxpayers deserve to know when this policy will come into effect and how it will operate in practice.
After the granting of more than 76,500 labour market access permissions since 2020, there is no justification for continued uncertainty regarding the introduction of accommodation contributions for those who are working and earning an income while residing in State-funded accommodation.” Concluded the Deputy
