549. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when he will implement the Government’s commitment to introducing an international protection child payment to children living in direct provision; to outline a timeframe for when this will happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41299/24]

In Budget 2025, I have secured €8.4m for the International Protection Child Payment. Once introduced, the Child Payment will be a weekly payment of €32.31 to be paid in respect of each eligible child. The Child Payment is a key component of this budget’s focus on tackling child poverty in line with this Government’s ambition to eradicate child poverty.

The Child Payment will support families in the International Protection system, help reduce the high rates of poverty experienced by this group, promote social inclusion, and facilitate improved integration.

The introduction of an International Protection Child Payment was a key commitment in A White Paper to End Direct Provision and to establish a New International Protection Support Service and remains a commitment in the Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy for International Protection Applicants.