Vol. 561 No. 6
17 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the proposal by the Department for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to withdraw monthly child benefit payments to the children of asylum seekers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4831/03]
31 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has completed the review of the direct provision scheme for asylum seekers; the proposals she has drawn up on foot of that review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4832/03]
45 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on proposals to prevent asylum seekers from receiving rent allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4834/03]
50 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her proposals to change the method or category of payments to refugee and asylum seekers currently being assessed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4923/03]
63 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the veracity of reports that the administration of welfare benefits to asylum seekers may cease to be the responsibility of her Department and might be transferred to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4954/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 31, 45, 50 and 63 together.
The aim of the Government in making provision for asylum seekers is to ensure that their basic living needs are met. In this regard the majority of asylum seekers arriving in this country since 10 April 2000 have their main living needs met through the direct provision system operated by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
In assessing payment of supplementary welfare allowance to asylum seekers in the direct provision system a value is placed on the accommodation, meals and other services they receive. The recommended supplementary welfare allowance payment in these cases is €19.10 per adult and €9.60 per child. In addition, the health boards may make exceptional needs payments in cases where these are deemed to be appropriate.
People whose needs are catered for under the direct provision arrangements, from time to time, have vacated the accommodation provided for them and have subsequently claimed a rent supplement from the health board. The Social Welfare Bill, which was published this week, provides that where new claims for rent supplement are submitted by asylum seekers after the proposal comes into force, a supplement will only be payable if the claimant is granted either refugee status or leave to remain in the State on humanitarian grounds by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
