State trying to ‘trick’ deputies on migrant benefits

THE Chairman of the House Institutions Committee yesterday accused the government of trying to fool parliament into approving funds for migrants and asylum seekers, by including them in the 2011 budget under funds for refugees and the displaced.

EVROKO’s Rikkos Erotokritou said his Committee had continued to discuss the issue raised last week, over what he claimed were excessive budgetary amounts for the support of migrants and asylum seekers.

The Labour Ministry was seeking €30 million but this also included the creation of a new facility to house asylum seekers.

“We say that the government is attempting to deceive parliament, when under the general title of benefits for refugees and the displaced, they include funds for foreigners,” said Erotokritou. “We asked for specific funds and said that we would never again accept the migrants’ benefits to be included with those for refugees, so we can observe the exact figures.”

He said the Labour Ministry spokesman had admitted that it couldn’t check on the funds given to migrants.

“We were informed about a vague national strategy, which we have never seen,” said Erotokritou. “The problems are growing and more money is given for these people’s benefits. Nothing is given by the EU. It is all taxpayers’ money.”