Sir, - As the EHB spokeswoman quoted in your article on emergency housing for asylum seekers (August 19th) I would like to correct any impression that our services cannot cope with the increasing number of asylum seekers.
Through the hard work of our very caring and dedicated staff, the Eastern Health Board has provided and continues to provide a wide range of services for asylum seekers, both directly and on an agency basis for Dublin Corporation and the Department of Social Welfare. These include health care, emergency accommodation, rent supplements and supplementary welfare allowances.
The money we spend on accommodation and supplementary welfare is recouped from Dublin Corporation and the Department of Social Welfare and therefore is not a drain on the finance available for the provision of health and personal social services to the 1.3 million people in our area. - Yours, etc.,
Maureen Browne,
Communications Director, Eastern Health Board, Dr Steeven's Hospital, Dublin 8.