Refugee council angry at Budget

The Irish Refugee Council have said it is a disgrace that the social welfare payments to asylum seekers will remain at €19.10 a week.

James Stapleton, the IRC Policy Officer, says refugees cannot possibly mix in society if they are not able to afford transport and to engage in social activities.

He insists that today's lack of change for payments means that asylum seekers have little or no opportunity to interact and establish relationships with local communities.