Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 6

Written Answers. - Asylum Seekers.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

100 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the representations, if any, he has received from the trade unions representing community welfare officers regarding the way in which supplementary welfare support is being provided for asylum seekers who have been relocated to small provincial towns; his response to the claims by the unions representing these officers that the method is discriminatory and unfair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10509/00]

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

A representation dated 11 February 2000 from SIPTU who represent some of the community welfare officers of the health boards was received by my Department highlighting their concerns regarding the plan to set up a new agency to deal with asylum seekers under the programme of direct provision. In their representation SIPTU stated that they believe asylum seekers are entitled to a level of service equal to all other groups and felt that direct provision is discriminatory.

The Government decided to disperse asylum seekers throughout the country due to a shortage of accommodation in the Dublin area and then to introduce direct provision to cater for their needs.

The directorate for asylum support services was established under the aegis of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to manage services for asylum seekers.

The income maintenance needs of asylum seekers are met for the most part by health boards who administer the supplementary welfare allowance scheme on behalf of the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs. The SWA scheme provides entitlement to any person in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs.

Payment is made in accordance with the relevant legislation as long as the person is resident in the State. The main objective of the scheme is to make up the difference between a person's means whether in cash or in kind and their needs. Where a person has access to some resources either in cash or in kind this is taken into account in determining entitlement to SWA. This occurs in the case of asylum seekers who are being provided with full board accommodation. Where a person in full board accommodation receives all meals and has access to other facilities such as laundry and leisure areas the recommended weekly allowance is £15 per adult and £7.50 per child. Furthermore, where there are other reasonable expenses exceptional needs payments (ENP), will be made by the health board.

These points were included in my Department's response to SIPTU's representation. Officials from my Department also met SIPTU and IMPACT representatives on 16 February 2000 to discuss the issues raised in SIPTU's letter.

Finally, the Deputy may be interested to know that I intend to set up a working group comprising representatives from relevant Departments to examine certain issues related to the assessment of need for SWA purposes. These include the level of SWA which should be paid to people who have means other than cash to partly meet their basic needs. The circumstances in which people claiming SWA rent supplement should be refused on the grounds that they are not in need of accommodation will also be examined. The group will recommend any legislative or administrative changes that may be required to maximise fairness, equity, transparency and efficiency in this area.

The working group will also consult with interested parties including the unions representing community welfare service staff.