The Irish Refugee Council (IRC) has called on the Government to increase the weekly allowance of €19.10 for asylum seekers in the coming budget.
In its pre-budget submission, the group says the payment, which has not increased since its introduction in 2000, consigns asylum seekers to poverty, and denies them opportunities to integrate. It suggests increasing the weekly allowance from €19.10 to €60 for adults, and from €9.60 to €35 for children.
Chief executive Robin Hanan said some asylum seekers spent between three to five years waiting for a decision on their application. During their time in the direct provision system they are provided with accommodation, meals and the weekly allowance, but are not allowed to work or study. Most children of asylum seekers are ineligible for child benefit.
"The effect is not only pushing people into poverty and isolation, but it has also been extremely dehumanising and has caused a lot of stress and, in many cases, depression.
"To continue with direct provision with a payment of €19.10 a week, which makes it impossible for anyone to socialise, to integrate, to live any sort of reasonable life, is simply not sustainable. It has to change because it is not possible in this day and age for anyone to live on €19.10," he said.
The IRC's call has been endorsed by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu), the Combat Poverty Agency, the Conference of Religious in Ireland, the Society of St Vincent de Paul and the National Women's Council.
Speaking at the launch of the IRC submission, Ictu's David Joyce said it was "scandalous" that asylum seekers were given such minimal support.
"If anything was a barrier to someone making an attempt to integrate into our society it's the situation that people in direct provision find themselves in.
"It effectively says to them: 'No, you are not going to be allowed to integrate in any way.'"
Senator Ivana Bacik described the allowance as "a miserly amount" that did not come close to enabling adults or children to buy necessities such as dietary supplements, over-the-counter medicines, toiletries or school books.
"This amount was not adequate when it was introduced eight years ago, and it is really scandalous that it has not been increased since that date despite significant increases in the cost of living."
Asked whether an increase in the payment might serve to attract asylum seekers to Ireland, Mr Hanan said there was no evidence that people considered allowances when choosing to come to given countries.
"The reason people are living on €19.10 is not because this is a long-term welfare payment. It's because they're waiting for the Government to make a decision on their claim."
The IRC says the proposed increases are based on findings of a study by the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice on minimum household budgets required for a life with dignity.
The Society of St Vincent de Paul has estimated the cost of the proposal at €16.2 million. It would benefit some 6,000 asylum seekers living in 61 accommodation centres across the State.
