Government rule out increased social welfare payments for asylum seekers

THE Government has ruled out increasing social welfare payments to asylum seekers.

Refugee and children’s groups said the weekly payments of €19.10 per adult and €9.60 per child - set in 1999 - were putting asylum seekers at risk of poverty. This risk was increased further following a decision in 2004 denying asylum seekers child benefit of €150 per month.

“We call on the Government to increase the payment, in line with other increases in social welfare,” said Héilean Rosenstock-Armie of the Irish Refugee Council. “How is it possible for just one payment to remain the same, while the price of everything has gone up.” Justice Minister Michael McDowell told the Dáil there were “no plans” to alter the current amount paid to asylum seekers under direct provision.