Differences between two Government Departments over the position of asylum-seekers from the 10 EU accession states were made more clear yesterday.
A spokesman for the Department of Social and Family Affairfs said: "We note with optimism that a spokesman for the Department of Justice has been quoted as saying that no one will find themselves 'on the streets'."
Such people are "unlikely to qualify for rent supplement in the short term", according to Social and Family Affairs.
Asylum-seekers from the accession states who live in State-run reception centres have been told to find their own accommodation from May 1st, when their countries of origin become full EU members.
However, the Social Affairs spokesman confirmed yesterday that new restrictions meant most payments, including rent supplement, were confined to people who have been resident in Ireland for two years.
"People with little or no connection with Ireland who cannot provide for themselves will be asked to return to their home countries," the spokesman added.
The Department was seeking a meeting with Justice officials "to get information on the asylum and immigration status of people who got letters so that their situation can be clarified".
