Human Rights Group Take Issue With Simon Harris Over IPAS Accomodation Contribution Claim

Tánaiste Simon Harris wants IPAS applicants to contribution towards their accommodation but the Wicklow TD claims are being met with anger by Human Rights groups

Human rights groups have pushed back after the Tánaiste said some people in the international protection system should contribute financially to their accommodation.

The International Protection Accommodation Services is currently accommodating about 33,000 people in over 320 IPAS centres including 9,000 children.

Five months after first claiming asylum people can apply to work. Now Tánaiste Simon Harris' wants some of the money they earn to pay for their accommodation.

Wicklow TD Harris said he expects the Government to introduce a means test for people living in international protection accommodation to contribute towarhich is €84 daily cost or €588 per week on average per applicant.

However the CEO of human rights organisation Doras, John Lannon doesn't agree:

''They're generally living in substandard, overcrowded accommodation. Hundreds of the people that he's (Simon Harris) expecting to contribute are living in tents so it's very difficult for people to find work and when they do its generally low-paid.''

Meanwhile the Community Action Tenants Union has demanded the withdrawal of eviction notices sent to the Esplanade Hotel accommodation centre in Bray.

Several families currently housed there have been told by IPAS to leave their direct provision accommodation or either be relocated.

CATU Ireland says it wants IPAS and the Department of Justice to withdraw eviction notices and to agree upon alternative accommodation agreed with residents.