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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Feb 2002

Vol. 549 No. 3

Written Answers. - Asylum Seekers.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

83 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs his plans to combat misinformation regarding the social welfare entitlements of refugees and asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6597/02]

I am aware of rumours circulating that asylum seekers and refugees are in receipt of payments from the social welfare system which Irish citizens do not get in respect of items such as cars. These rumours are untrue and without foundation. I agree with the Deputy that they are used to promote resentment against asylum seekers and refugees and for that reason, I am glad to refute these stories today.

As the Deputy is aware, asylum seekers generally do not have the right to work while awaiting a decision on their claim for asylum. Their income maintenance needs are met for the most part by the health boards through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. 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 in kind or in cash, through the social welfare system or otherwise, the relevant legislation requires that this be taken into account in determining entitlement to supplementary welfare allowance.

This occurs in the case of asylum seekers who arrived since 10 April 2000. They are provided with full board accommodation, including meals and other services under the direct provision system operated by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. In such cases the recommended weekly allowance is €19.05 per adult and €9.52 per child to provide for personal requisites.
Furthermore, where there are other reasonable expenses exceptional needs payments are made by the health boards. Families with children receive child benefit on the same basis as any other family.
All asylum seekers who arrived before April 2000 and some who arrived since then live outside the direct provision system. In these cases, they may receive the full standard rate of supplementary welfare allowance including rent supplement, subject to the same conditions as any other recipients.
As the Deputy is aware, the Government decided that asylum seekers who applied for asylum before 26 July 1999 and who had completed 12 months in the asylum process but whose cases had not been decided were allowed to seek employment.
In addition, any person who has been through the asylum process and has been granted refugee status can also seek employment. If they are unable to secure employment they will qualify for assistance from my Department on the same basis as any Irish citizen for example, they may qualify for unemployment assistance if they fulfil the conditions of being available for and genuinely seeking work and if their means are below the qualifying limit.
The position, therefore, is that the social welfare entitlements of asylum seekers and refugees are not any more generous than those of Irish people. It is important to remember also that every non-national is not a refugee or asylum seeker. In fact, the majority of non-nationals currently residing in the State are not asylum seekers or refugees. They are mainly EU citizens or people from other parts of the world who have been granted work permits and who are in employment. In this regard, over 54,000 work permits were issued to non-nationals in 2000 and 2001. There are also significant numbers of non-nationals who are studying in this country. Whether studying or working, they are people with their own financial resources to dispose of as they see fit.
With regard to plans to combat misleading stories about non-nationals, the Government decided to implement a national anti-racism awareness programme. In February 2001, a high level steering group was established by my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, to implement the programme in partnership with his Department. The awareness programme was formally launched by the Taoiseach on 25 October 2001. A number of regional launches have been organised in the months since then, the most recent being in Cork on Thursday last, 21 February.
The aim of the programme is to contribute to creating the conditions for building an inclusive and intercultural society in Ireland where racism is effectively addressed and cultural diversity is valued. Grants have been given to local projects throughout the State to raise awareness. Details of the programme are contained in information packs which have been widely distributed to the public. More detailed media packs have been prepared for the information of the media.
The promotion of a tolerant inclusive society is not just a matter for Government. We all have a role to play as individuals and in the various organisations in which we take part.
Question No. 84 answered with Question No. 45.
Questions Nos. 85 and 86 answered with Question No. 53.
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