Vol. 492 No. 5
111 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the total number of refugees in receipt of a social welfare payment; if he has satisfied himself that refugees are in receipt of adequate supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14627/98]
Persons who meet the United Nations criteria relating to refugee status are eligible for the full range of social welfare payments, subject to satisfying the relevant statutory conditions. Refugees are treated in the same way as Irish nationals with regard to the provision of support under the social security system. It is not possible to identify the precise number of refugees in receipt of a social welfare payment, as my Department does not compile statistics on the nationality of individuals who are in receipt of social welfare payments. It is estimated that the total number of non-nationals currently in receipt of unemployment assistance is approximately 6,400. This would include refugees who are entitled to reside and work here but the vast majority would be nationals of other EU countries.
