Plans to make asylum seekers who are earning money pay towards their housing and other State supports are 'not based in equity or fairness', a human rights organisation has warned.
Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has pledged to introduce a "means-tested contribution" model requiring International Protection applicants who have jobs to pay a contribution towards the services provided to them by the State.
He has said he believes the move will “help maintain social cohesion” and help make Ireland’s international protection system “fair, firm and rules-based."
On Newstalk Breakfast, however, Doras CEO John Lannon said there are "a number of problems" with the plan.
He said the Government should be working towards ensuring asylum seekers "have access to costs and supports like everyone else."
"Right now, they do not receive child benefit, they can’t avail of state support grants to third level education or get on the housing list while they’re in the system," he said.
'Substandard housing'
Mr Lannon said the State must address issues with housing for asylum seekers before asking them to contribute to costs.
"In many cases, they're living in accommodation that is very substandard," he said.
"If you look at HIQA inspections that were done last April, we're talking about pest infestations, overcrowding, children having to do homework on the floor.
"Now, we're talking about people living in warehouses, living in tents, so that is what the State and Simon Harris are asking people to contribute to.”
Mr Lannon also said the cost of implementing the measure would "outweigh financial measures made by the State".
Issues for International Protection applicants
Mr Lannon said the Government must address issues affecting International Protection applicants before asking them to contribute to costs.
He said the State must ensure the treatment of asylum seekers is based on fairness and equity.
"The danger here is we’re looking at measures where people who are already amongst the most disenfranchised in the country," Mr Lannon said.
He said International Protection applicants "cannot vote", but they are "being used for election purposes".
"The State needs to build effective communications with communities in international protection and tackle the growing issue of disinformation and misinformation," Mr Lannon said.
He said many people are "stuck in Direct Provision through no fault of their own" and said the Government must do more to protect them.
