Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

It is correct to say that the allowance has not been increased. The Minister informs me that he has been in discussions with the groups about that particular issue. However, the cost to the State has increased. Modern accommodation has been purchased with taxpayers' money and the State has often had to pay high capital costs towards such direct provision. Services, ancillary facilities and staff are also provided. While the cost of this allowance has not increased since 1999, the cost to the State in providing these facilities has been enormous in the past eight or nine years.

Our asylum system compares to the best in the world in terms of its fairness, decision making and support services for asylum seekers, including access to the necessary legal and medical services. We have reduced the waiting time for people who are on refugee application determination since the late 1990s. The number of asylum applications increased dramatically between 1998 and 2002. It is now declining, as Deputy Gilmore pointed out. Last year, there were almost 4,500 applications, which was the lowest in a number of years. In April, the figure was down to just under 300, the lowest monthly figure for eight or nine years. However, the cost to the State of providing accommodation and services is high. I am not involved in the details of the Minister's meeting, but we must operate a fair system. It is not an open door system. We treat asylum seekers in a very fair way in this country. Within his limits, the Minister always takes this matter into consideration. The kind of accommodation we are purchasing and the direct provision is very good, notwithstanding the fact that the payment has not been increased.

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