Ireland to Charge Immigrants for State Services, Says Taoiseach Simon Harris.
Immigrants in Ireland may soon have to pay for certain state-provided services, according to Taoiseach Simon Harris in an interview with the Sunday Independent. This change is part of a broader effort to tighten supports for asylum-seekers and refugees.
Previously, the Government considered plans to charge immigrants rent. Now, senior ministers are looking into proposals to implement additional charges for various state services in the coming months. This move aims to align Ireland’s policies with those of other EU countries.
Currently, asylum-seekers are entitled to medical cards, a provision that has faced criticism from opposition politicians. Sinn Féin has argued that access to medical cards should be means-tested.
Harris discussed the need to reevaluate the supports offered to immigrants as the autumn approaches. He stated, “I do think there is a broader question around the supports we offer that we need to consider.”
He elaborated that this broader question involves determining the contributions that individuals may be expected to make for services provided by the state. When asked whether rent charges would be included in the new plans, he said, “That’s one thing that we could give consideration to.” He emphasized that any changes must comply with legal and humanitarian obligations, noting that people have a legal right to shelter.
The Government is still reviewing the supports available to asylum-seekers and refugees. Harris indicated that monitoring these changes is necessary to ensure the system remains sustainable and in line with international standards.
The first phase of this welfare review has already occurred, leading to welfare cuts for thousands of Ukrainians living in Ireland. A means test has also been introduced for asylum-seekers.
“I’m eager that we continue that conversation,” Harris remarked. He mentioned that new proposals would be discussed in September or October.
In recent weeks, many asylum-seekers have seen their welfare reduced following the introduction of a means test by Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys.
Harris acknowledged that the immigration system has evolved significantly, with the number of annual asylum-seekers increasing from 3,000 to over 20,000. He reiterated his commitment to balancing compassion with common sense in immigration policy. “We’re a welcoming country, we want to help, we want to be decent, we want to be humanitarian. But we also want to make sure there is common sense,” he stated.