Fine Gael will introduce a contribution model for asylum seekers – Burke

Fine Gael will commit to the introduction of a contribution model for asylum seekers if elected to Government.

This will mean international protection applicants will pay a weekly charge for services.

Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke said: “Ireland values migration. We see the benefits of it every single day.

“As Minister for Enterprise, I can see the huge role migration plays in our economy. We see it across the health service, in retail and hospitality and in our construction sector.

“Ireland is a compassionate country. But we need to adopt a common sense approach.

“Over the past few months, we have been working on a payment model to ensure people living in international protection make a contribution towards their services.

“If you have an income you should make a contribution. This will range from €15 a week to €268 a week.

“This won’t apply to people who cannot work, or are unable to work.

“We believe this is an appropriate measure to help us create a fair but firmer migration system.”

Fine Gael will outline further measures on migration over the coming weeks, including returning migration policy to the Department of Justice.