Syrian refugees not being paid their full legal entitlements

It has emerged that Syrian refugees being housed at a reception centre in County Kildare are not being paid their full legal entitlements by the Department of Social Protection.

Despite having full refugee status, the Syrians are only getting the rates paid to asylum seekers.

That amounts to €19.10 per week for an adult, and €9.60 per child.

The Department of Social Protection says this only happens during an initial 3 month period.

But Sue Conlan of the Irish Refugee Council says it is not legal.

"Those that are either still in the centre in Co Kildare or those that have moved on without it, should receive the legal entitlement of the back payment and those that are still in the centre should now start to get the full payments which is required to be given to them by law."