Terence Flanagan
Ceist:210 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding social protection entitlements (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39495/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 13 December 2011
Ceisteanna (203)
Freagraí scríofa
Under Irish legislation, citizens from other countries who have been granted refugee status have a legal right to reside in Ireland and are entitled to seek employment in the state. They are, therefore, entitled to apply for benefits and pensions in the same way as all other workers in the state.
There is no discrimination on grounds of nationality in social welfare legislation and to introduce such a provision would be contrary to the equality principles that Ireland has adopted in its equality legislation, the Treaties of the European Community and the Charter of Fundamental Rights, and other international conventions.