Sir, - In the debate about the pros and cons of the "give-away" Budget, I would like to remind your readers that "dispersed" asylum-seekers in "direct provision" receive the paltry cash sum of £315 a week. The discussion about improved income, increased allowances, reduced tax rates and participation in the workforce is so far removed from the reality of most asylum-seekers that it must make us question the draconian immigration policies pursued by this Government . Budget 2001 was a specific attempt to curb inflation, yet has anybody thought how inflation affects people receiving £15 a week ? As the Budget is used to run the economy rather than benefit society, asylum-seekers, along with other marginalised groups, are obviously to be excluded from both. - Yours etc.,
Brendan Hennessy, NASC, The Irish Immigrant Support Centre, Sharman Crawford Street, Cork.