Vol. 526 No. 1
130 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the serious concern expressed by the UNHCR regarding the policy of dispersing newly arrived asylum seekers throughout the country, particularly in view of the difficulties they may face in accessing essential services; the steps being taken to address the concerns raised by the UNHCR; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25764/00]
I understand that the Deputy is referring to a recent newspaper article in which it is reported that the UNHCR is critical of the policy of dispersal of newly arrived asylum seekers throughout the country particularly, because asylum seekers will have difficulty gaining access to important services.
I do not accept that the dispersal of asylum seekers to locations around the country diminishes access to such services. Social welfare, health and educational services in Ireland are organised on a regional and local basis and asylum seekers have the same access to these services as the indigenous population.
In the case of the provision of health and-or personal social services to an asylum seeker or a member of his or her family, access is arranged, in the first instance, by the local health board. Where specialist treatment is required on an ongoing basis, arrangements can be made by the relevant health board with the Directorate for Asylum Support Services to provide accommodation as close as possible to the particular treatment centre.
The regional health boards also administer the supplementary welfare allowances scheme. Asylum seekers in direct provision are paid reduced allowances under the scheme to take account of the full board accommodation provided to them. They are also entitled to apply to the local community welfare officer for exceptional needs payments under this scheme.
With regard to legal services for asylum seekers, I am assured that there are no waiting lists for legal services at the Refugee Legal Service. The RLS has adapted its services to take account of the dispersal of asylum seekers to locations outside Dublin and plans to develop its services on a regional basis.
