Mr. Enda O'Neill:

Thinking back over the years, sometimes people would say to me that if we made the system too good for asylum seekers, it would attract more people to Ireland. I do not think anyone who has been to a direct provision centre would make that argument but it is made elsewhere. Really, the fact that the system goes on for so long has the potential to make it a target for people who come irregularly and who are not likely to get status. The quicker a person's case can be resolved, the quicker we can identify his or her legal entitlement to stay and work. Our discussions at the working group also concluded that a fast process makes it more likely that a person would voluntarily return home if, at the end of that process, he was not given status. I go back to this point - the right to a quick decision is crucial.

Deputy Fitzpatrick asked about entitlements. It is important to state, especially in light of certain comments during the campaigning period of late, that asylum seekers are not considered to be habitually resident. Therefore, they do not qualify for social protection payments in the same way as Irish citizens. The payment rates to which those living in accommodation centres are entitled are €29.80 per week for children and €38.80 per week for adults. The allowances have increased considerably since the report came out and we have seen the implementation of the recommendations in the McMahon report. People are reliant to a large extent on the food and services available in the centres. They have a small living allowance to meet their other needs. They would also be entitled to a medical card. It is only when they get status or are granted permission to work and take up employment that they would have greater income.