Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 15 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 7

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Services.

Alan Shatter

Question:

192 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the action, if any, taken by him to date to ensure that his Department can cope with the demands made upon it by refugees in view of the difficulties which have occurred at the Mount Street centre, Dublin 2; and the guidelines, if any, provided by him to date to the health boards to ensure that the required services are properly provided. [26666/99]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

Refugees are entitled to services from the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs on the same basis as Irish citizens. The number of refugees who require social welfare services is small compared to the population in general and meeting their needs is not presenting the Department with any significant difficulties.

The income maintenance needs of asylum see kers, that is persons who are awaiting a decision on their claim for refugee status, are met for the most part by health boards which administer the supplementary welfare allowance system on behalf of the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs. Additional community welfare officer posts and additional office accommodation have been funded by the Department to meet the increased demands being made on health boards in this area.

For example, the Eastern Health Board asylum unit at the Refugee Applications Centre in Mount Street was recently assigned a further 15 members of staff to deal with the increasing numbers accessing the service.

With regard to guidelines, discussions took place with health boards during the year on procedures for the processing of applications for SWA for asylum seekers at all health boards. Following these discussions, two circulars were issued detailing the procedures to be followed.

In an earlier initiative, an interdepartmental committee was set up in May 1993 to examine policy and practices with regard to non-Irish citizens who are resident in the State with particular reference to people who apply for refugee status. This committee drew up guidelines on the procedures for the reception of asylum applicants which were published in June 1996.

In line with the guidelines, each health board has nominated a designated community welfare officer to deal with the reception of asylum seekers, to act as a co-ordinator and to provide practical assistance with their special needs. I am satisfied that these guidelines, together with the more recent circulars, provide an adequate framework for health boards in dealing with the income maintenance needs of asylum seekers.