Madam, – William Reville’s smashing of the myth that immigrants get preferential treatment from our welfare system is indeed welcome (Science Today, November 5th). He is also right to point out that those seeking asylum in Ireland, people who are not permitted to work, are housed in special hostels and get a small weekly allowance to cover their needs. The amount in question is even less than reported. It is €19.10 per week, a sum that has not increased since it was set in 2000. – Yours, etc,