Who is an asylum seeker?

An Asylum Seeker is a person who seeks to be recognised as a refugee. Asylum seekers whose status has not yet been determined are not allowed to work until they have been in this country a year, they cannot apply for local authority housing, adult education or training.

Who is a refugee?

A refugee is someone who is outside his or her country and unable to return to it due to a well founded fear of persecution. The possible reasons for persecution are race, religion, nationality, or membership of a particular social group or political opinion.

What is the ‘Dispersal Scheme’?

As a newly arrived asylum seeker, when you lodge your application for refugee status you are initially accommodated in a short-stay reception centre in the Dublin area for a period of assessment. You will then be assigned accommodation at a regional centre. Such an assignment will take into account your particular needs.

What are you entitlements through ‘Direct Provision’?

Under ‘Direct Provision’ your accommodation and all meals are paid for. The only income you are entitled to is a personal allowance of €19.10 per week. If you have children you are entitled to €9.60 per week for each child.

What are the Asylum and Immigration laws in Ireland?

For a full list of the legislation about Asylum and Immigration in Ireland that you can read online see the website of The Department of Justice and Law Reform 

www.inis.gov.ie

Where can I get more information?

Refugee Information Service (RIS)

Web: www.ris.ie

1^st and 2^nd Floors
18 Dame Street
Dublin 2

Phone: (01) 645 30 70

Email: info@ris.ie

Irish Refugee Council

2^nd Floor,
Ballast House,
Ashton Quay
Dublin 2.

Phone: 00353 1 764 58 54
info@irishrefugeecouncil.ie
www.irishrefugeecouncil.ie