Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 December 2015
50. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the amount directly paid in allowances under the adult refugees programme to persons and their dependants residing in a hotel (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44362/15]
View answerA number of programme refugees are currently resident in Kildare. Programme refugees are generally entitled to supports under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, including weekly payments, assistance under the exceptional needs payments (ENP) scheme and the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance. Depending on the circumstances of the individual or family, payment of the relevant social welfare payment appropriate to their circumstances may also be payable including child benefit. ENPs are generally payable to assist meeting essential expenditure such as clothing, child related items and other incidental requirements.
The Department assesses the value of the non-cash benefits provided by the State to persons residing in the system of direct provision when determining rates of social welfare payments. This may result in a reduction of the weekly amount payable taking into account that basic requirements such as food, accommodation and other services are provided.
The amount paid to the individual families in the hotel referred to by the Deputy is a matter between the individuals and the Department.
