Eamon Walsh
Question:194 Mr. E. Walsh asked the Minister for Justice the number and cost of maintaining asylum seekers in each of the years 1991 to 1994; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7299/95]
Written Answers. - Asylum Seekers.
Eamon Walsh
Question:200 Mr. E. Walsh asked the Minister for Justice the number of asylum seekers in the years 1991 to 1994; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7329/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 200 together. The information sought by the Deputy is set out in tabular form beneath.
|
Year |
1991 |
1992 |
1993 |
1994 |
|
Number of Applications |
31 |
39 |
91 |
355 |
Asylum seekers whose means are insufficient to meet their needs may receive Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA). The SWA scheme is administered by the health boards on behalf of the Department of Social Welfare.
I have been informed by the Department of Social Welfare that health boards do not keep specific records which would allow the identification of the cost of maintaining asylum seekers.
Asylum seekers are resident in all health board areas but the majority in the period in question were situated around the Shannon region in the Mid-Western Health Board area. By way of indication of the cost involved in maintaining asylum seekers, the Mid-Western Health Board has advised that £½ million was paid out by the board in respect of asylum seekers in 1994. This amount includes a weekly social assistance payment, assistance towards accommodation costs and exceptional needs which arise from time to time. The number of asylum seekers located in the Mid-Western Health Board in 1994 varied between 50 and 180. The number of asylum seekers resident in the Mid-Western Health Board area at present is 78.