Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Jun 1998

Vol. 491 No. 6

Written Answers. - Asylum Seekers.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

226 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the amount of social welfare assistance paid to asylum seekers during their stay in Ireland; and if he can quantify the number receiving social welfare and the total amount paid. [13024/98]

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

The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme provides entitlement to any persons in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs. The scheme is administered by the health boards on behalf of my Department. SWA provides the lowest rates of weekly payment within the social welfare system. Payment may continue as long as the asylum seeker is resident in the State.

SWA payments are currently being made to some 3,000 households in respect of 3,800 adults and some 1,200 children. About three quarters of asylum seekers are single people, mostly males, without dependants and are paid £68.40 per week. In addition, if they are living in rented accommodation, they may qualify for a rent supplement. There are 316 families in receipt of child benefit in respect of 533 children.

Total expenditure by my Department on asylum seekers in 1998 will depend on a number of factors, including the numbers arriving during the year and the length of time it takes to finalise asylum applications. The current provision in the Estimates for expenditure by my Department on asylum seekers, including payments in respect of children, is £32 million in 1998.

It should be stressed, however, that this estimate depends on a wide range of factors, including for example, the rate of arrival of asylum seekers and the length of stay in temporary accommodation. The Deputy will therefore appreciate that it is not possible to provide a very precise estimate.