Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Payments.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

1339 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason homeless people are provided with bed and board and additional social welfare payments of at least ?60 while asylum seekers receive comfort money of only ?19.50; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19690/03]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mary Coughlan)

The income maintenance needs of homeless people and asylum seekers are met for the most part by health boards. They administer the supplementary welfare allowance scheme on behalf of my Department.

The main objective of the scheme is to make up the difference between a person's means and needs. Where a person has access to some resources in kind or in cash, through the social welfare system or otherwise, the relevant legislation requires that this be taken into account in determining the amount of assistance payable.

In the case of a homeless person who is supplied with emergency accommodation by the board the amount of basic allowance payable will be the full rate of basic SWA €124.80. If additional services are supplied, e.g. breakfast or meals, the amount of allowance payable will be reduced to take account of the level of additional service supplied in each case. The payment of €60 mentioned by the Deputy in relation to homeless people is not a standard rate. The net amount paid varies according to circumstances.

Asylum seekers who are catered for under the direct provision system operated by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform are provided with full board accommodation and other facilities such as laundry and leisure areas. In recognition of the level of service supplied the recommended weekly allowance is €19.10 per adult and €9.60 per child. The difference between these amounts and full rate SWA is the value ascribed to the facilities provided under the direct provision system. Furthermore, as is the case with all persons who are resident in the State, where there are other reasonable essential expenses, exceptional needs payments may be made by the health board.