The level of social welfare payments to asylum seekers is being kept "under review", Darragh O'Brien has said. 

In the first four months of 2024, the number of people arriving in Ireland lodging international protection applications was 95% higher than in the same period last year. 

As a result, the State has struggled to find accommodation for all of them and many have taken to pitching tents on the streets of Dublin or in the city’s parks. 

Currently, asylum seekers are given just under €114 a week in Ireland - a higher figure than in France or Germany. 

Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast, Minister O’Brien said he did not think social welfare payments is behind the increase in numbers but it was something to keep in mind. 

“We do keep that under review; it has been increased recently," he said. 

“I don’t think that the reason for people seeking asylum because our payment would be €20 or €30 more per week than France. 

“I think we have to look at the overall system as well; when people come here under family reunification - that’s understandable, they want to be with their family and friends. 

“Others come here for opportunities; for all the challenges we do have, we still have an economy that’s at full employment.” 

Tents pitched on Grand Canal earlier this week. Image: Sasko Lazarov / © RollingNews.ie

Minister O'Brien also said the State needs to speed up the processing of asylum seeker claims.

“What I think is important is that when someone lodges their claim, it needs to be dealt with quickly and it needs to be dealt with efficiently,” he said. 

“If you have a valid claim, yes you stay and if you don’t have a valid claim, you go. 

“We need to improve on that.” 

Last month, the Government announced it was joining the EU Migration and Asylum Pact. 

Ireland has an EU opt out on security and justice matters but Minister Helen McEntee said participation would help speed up processing times for asylum seekers. 

Main image: Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien.