Vol. 483 No. 6
320 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the total expenditure to date in 1997 on asylum seekers; if he will give a breakdown of expenditure by his Department in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21114/97]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme provides entitlement to persons in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs. The scheme is administered by the health boards on behalf of the Department.
Asylum seekers can qualify for a basic payment and child benefit where appropriate. Payment may continue as long as the asylum seeker is resident in the State and may include all SWA elements including rent supplements, and other payments such as exceptional needs payments and clothing and footwear allowance.
The total expenditure by my Department on asylum seekers from 1 January 1997 to 4 October, 1997 was £8.72 million.
It is estimated the total expenditure by my Department in respect of asylum seekers in 1997 will be approximately £12 million. This is less than earlier estimates because the number of new applications is falling and there are fewer asylum seekers than previously thought.
