€ 91.5m spent on accommodation
Wednesday October 14 2009
THE total cost of providing accommodation for asylum seekers in the State in 2008 was € 91.5 million.
East Meath TD Thomas Byrne was given the figures in the Dáil after he was asked to raise this issue by a number of constituents.
'It is a huge expenditure but I want to dispel a lot of rumours and urban myths that have become associated with the asylum seekers, like they get free cars and buggies etc whenever they want.
'I have visited the Mosney camp and met a lot of the refugees personally and the living conditions are acceptable but not luxurious.'
The FF deputy says he does think the overall total is a lot of money, but a new bill will streamline the process and bring down the costs.
'The minister also informed me that various efficiency and cost reduction measures are being implemented with a view to reducing these costs. Accommodation providers have been asked to give an 8% reduction in charges to the State. This will show up in the 2009 figures,' says Deputy Byrne.
The Government is said to be conducting a 'Value for Money Review' of spending on asylum seeker accommodation and the result of this will be presented to the Dáil when it is completed.
'The enactment of the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2008, which is a complicated law currently going through the Dáil, will also be a key measure for achieving efficiencies throughout the asylum applications processing system,' he adds.
'It will establish a more effective and streamlined removal process and will tackle abuses within the asylum and immigration system. A more effective system will significantly reduce the costs involved in the asylum process.'
- Alison COMYN
