NO ROOM FOR 20 ASYLUM SEEKERS Kate & Kaftan Fantastic
Refugees denied shelter in Direct Provision centres
AN estimated 20 people have been refused places in Direct Provision centres in the past two weeks as they are full, it was revealed yesterday.
Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan has been called on to address the problem that “damages the interests of legitimate asylum seekers and exposes the State to a security threat”.
The Justice Department confirmed refugees have been left homeless and at least one has been forced to live on the streets.
It said the number of people arriving in Ireland and applying for international protection had risen, putting more pressure on the system.
Following the release of the figures to RTE, Fianna Fail’s Jim O’callaghan said the problem must be looked at as soon as possible.
He added: “People are entitled to come to Ireland and seek asylum but it is an absolute requirement of the system of this country, and every country, the State remains aware of the whereabouts of asylum seekers during their application process.
“If people who claim to be asylum seekers are unlawfully being absorbed into the general population that undermines the asylum system.
“It damages the interests of legitimate it exposes the State to Jim O’callaghan asylum seekers and a security threat.”
The Justice Department said it has added an extra 646 beds over the past year that included new centres in Co Clare and Co Westmeath.
The Reception and Integration Agency told how it was working to address the issue by opening facilities to accommodate those seeking international protection in Ireland.
Irish Refuge Council boss Nick Henderson said people aren’t getting the support they need, “which is a breach of EU law”.
He added: “This is extremely concerning. We deem this to be a real indictment on our asylum process.
“Moreover, we believe this to be a breach of European Union laws. That law quite clearly requires us to accommodate people when they come to Ireland and claim asylum.”
One man, who arrived from Syria and spoke to RTE’S Morning Ireland, said there was no room for him at Direct Provision centres.
He told how he ended up sleeping in a park in Dublin until he had met a man from Cork who is allowing him to stay in his home temporarily.
He said: “It’s a bad situation. My family, my wife and my kids too, they died. I’m alone in the world.” YOU spend years working on your tan and your abs.. and then you get upstaged by a man in a brightly coloured kaftan.
Kate Beckinsale’s boyfriend Matt Rife, 23, didn’t compete and wore his torn jeans.
The British actress, 45, and her pals were heading for a bright out in Hollywood...