Tony Killeen
Ceist:155 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will introduce clear guidelines on the social welfare entitlements of refugees, asylum seekers and those with humanitarian leave to remain in Ireland. [11970/95]
Written Answers. - Residency Applications.
The determination of applications from non-Irish nationals for residency in this country is a matter for the Department of Justice. There are four main categories involved: refugees, programme refugees, asylum seekers and people here on humanitarian leave.
Those awarded refugee status have work permits and visas and as a consequence, have the same social welfare entitlements as an Irish citizen.
Programme refugees are groups of people who are admitted to Ireland under a Government decision for resettlement in Ireland. The Refugee Agency under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs co-ordinates measures to integrate refugees admitted to Ireland under Government decisions.
These refugees include Bosnians and Vietnamese boat people. They have work permits and visas and also have the same social welfare entitlements as an Irish citizen.
The 1951 Convention on Refugees and Asylum Seekers specifies the right of refugees but leaves a lot of discretion with individual states regarding asylum seekers. Asylum seekers who enter Ireland apply for the status of refugees and are granted permission to remain in the State while their applications are being processed. They do not have work permits and as a consequence, have no entitlement to unemployment payments. However, they may qualify for assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme if they have no other income.
People who are granted leave to remain in Ireland on humanitarian grounds have the same social welfare entitlements as persons recognised as refugees.