Vol. 508 No. 1
630 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if payment of supplementary benefit and rent allowance ceases when an application for asylum is refused; if so, if this is followed up with the health board; the policy in this regard; if he has satisfied himself with its implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18194/99]
673 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the number of applicants who have signed off supplemen tary benefit or other social welfare or health board payments since the operative date regarding the changes which allow those seeking refugee status to work when their applications are waiting one year; the number who have signed off rent allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17722/99]
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 630 and 673 together.
On 26 July 1999 the Government decided that asylum seekers who have been in this country more than 12 months while awaiting a final determination on their application for refugee status, and who have been complying with their obligations as asylum seekers, are now permitted to work. In addition, this new arrangement will apply to those who have sought asylum here up to 26 July 1999 as soon as they cross the 12 month threshold.
Prior to this decision, asylum seekers claimed supplementary welfare allowance, SWA, which is administered on my behalf by the health boards. Asylum seekers who are now permitted to work are entitled to claim unemployment assistance, UA. The rate of payment is the same for both schemes at £72 weekly for a single adult. While seeking employment and claiming UA, asylum seekers may continue to claim rent supplement from their local health centre.
Arrangements are currently being put in place by the Department to ensure the smooth transfer of claims from the health boards to the Department's local offices. The operation will commence in mid-October. To date, SWA payments have ceased in six cases where work permits have already issued. There are some 2,500 cases scheduled to be transferred between mid-October and
mid-December 1999 and it is estimated that a further 1,500 cases may be transferred by 26 July 2000. The final numbers transferred will depend on the progress made in finalising asylum claims in the meantime.
The purpose of the SWA scheme is to provide a basic weekly allowance to people who have little or no income. Where an application for asylum has been refused SWA payments, including rent supplement, cease once the person concerned is no longer resident in the State.
Procedures have been put in place to ensure that the health boards are kept informed as asylum applications are finalised. I am satisfied that these procedures are operating satisfactorily.
