Syrian refugees receive just 10% of planned State aid

A leading migrants rights group has accused Government of double standards after it emerged Irish-based Syrian refugees are receiving just 10% of their planned State aid — despite the Coalition giving €22m to help refugees who will stay in Turkey.

The Irish Refugee Council revealed the situation last night as Cabinet signed off on vital funding to help people fleeing the crisis in the Mediterranean for the next two years.

Under plans agreed at the height of the refugee crisis earlier this year, Syrians who arrive in Ireland will be automatically entitled to social welfare level payments of €188 a week.