Asylum seekers with jobs should pay towards accommodation, Harris says

Asylum seekers who have incomes should be asked to financially contribute towards State accommodation and services provided to them, the Taoiseach has said.

International protection applicants can seek permission to work if their application has not been processed for five months, with the permit being valid after six months.

Simon Harris said the Government has not made a decision on the matter, but added: “I believe they should have to – if you’re earning an income.”

Mr Harris said: “There’s people in this country who come here and seek international protection who do have a right to work – and by the way, we’re very pleased they do work and I thank them for the contribution they make to the Irish economy.

“I do think it’s fair, though, that if you’re working and earning an income that you make some contribution towards the services the State is providing.”

He told RTE radio: “Government needs to make a decision on this as a collective, we have had a number of reviews and works being done.

“We’ve taken a number of decisions in recent weeks and months to try and make sure our immigration system is fair.

“Irish people, I think, want two things when it comes to migration: compassion and common sense.

“And I think we need to look at this through that lens, and I hope we can make a decision on this within a few short weeks.”

Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe said the amount an individual may contribute will be based on their income and the type of work they are doing.

Mr Donohoe said it is “appropriate” that when an asylum seeker earns money through a paid job, that they make a contribution towards State “services”.

Speaking at the second day of the Fine Gael think-in, taking place in Tullamore, Mr Donohoe said: “I think the approach of this Government is very clear in our views regarding how we want to support those who have come to our country in terrible, terrible circumstances.

“The many billions of euros that we have rightfully spent to provide accommodation and to provide support to those who have come to our country in a really difficult way, and at times have experienced real and terrible trauma.

“What the Taoiseach was indicating today, which I think is a very sensible approach, is that after helping people cope with the transition to our country, giving them the support and accommodation that they need, if they are in a position that they then gain a job and they are paid for that job, that the support they get from the State reflects that and be adjusted accordingly.

“I think that it’s a very reasonable approach.

“We have an economy that is at full employment, we have employers all over the country that want to get more people working in them.

“The vast majority of those that I have met coming to our country looking for support and a new home want to work or want to be in college or be studying.

“As we are successful in getting them to that point and therefore as they look at Ireland being their home for longer, it is appropriate, therefore, that the State, the support we gave them when they were in emergency is changed to reflect that.”

He added: “As people make Ireland their home, and I want to see people make Ireland their home, we need to see that as they get a job, as they stand on their own two feet, that the support they get reflects that.”

Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said the matter will be handled by Roderic O’Gorman’s department.

“It’s about making a contribution towards your rent. I think it’s fair. I think if people are working, that they should be making that contribution,” she added.

“That’s something that I have no doubt Minister O’Gorman will bring a memo to Cabinet on his proposals on how that will work.”