1,800 ASYLUM SEEKERS IN CENTRES OVER 2YRS

Shock wait times spark health fears

AROUND 40% of asylum seekers are spending more than 24 months in direct provision centres, it was revealed yesterday.

A total of 1,047 people have endured two to three years in accommodation units, while almost 750 refugees have been in them for up to four years.

And around 3% have been stuck in them for more than seven years.

The Irish Refugee Council said the long waiting times can affect refugees’ mental health.

Boss Nick Henderson added: “People are living in difficult conditions.

“They may not be able to cook for themselves and may not be eligible to apply for permission to work.” He blamed the delays on the introduction of the International Protection Act last year.

Mr Henderson said: “At the beginning of 2017 a law was introduced and anybody whose case was being processed at that time was brought back to the beginning of the system.

“More resources need to be given to the International Protection Office.”

He added it was important lawyers are able to spend more time with people seeking asylum.

Mr Henderson said: “At the moment the Legal Aid Board service only provides two hours of support, often not with the actual solicitor.

“This is not enough time to properly establish an asylum claim and can result in mistakes and omissions.”

He added the provision of shelter must be overhauled. Mr Henderson said: “At the moment we rely on private contractors.

“We think non-profit accommodation providers who are experts in providing support to vulnerable people should become involved.”

RTE revealed there are 5,928 asylum seekers including almost 2,000 children living in direct provision centres.

There were 5,744 people in facilities in September which rose to 5,848 in October.

The figure is close to full capacity that stands at 6,093. The number of people granted refugee status doubled over the past four years. More than 900 received the status this year compared to 547 in 2015.

The number of people who were granted refugee status in Ireland this year