Posted On: 28 February 2012
The Irish Refugee Council (IRC) highlighted problems of exclusion and institutionalised poverty in the asylum system at a meeting with a delegation from the European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) this morning (27/2/12). The IRC was particularly critical of the Irish reception system known as Direct Provision, whereby asylum seekers are given board, accommodation and a weekly allowance of €19.10 but are denied the opportunity to work or live independent lives.
Sue Conlan, Chief Executive of the IRC, says: “At least a third of those in Direct Provision have been there for at least three years. In addition, at least a third of Direct Provision residents are children, many of them born in Ireland, who are growing up not only in a form of institutionalisation but also in poverty and social exclusion.
“Direct Provision is, in effect, a form of institutional racism which denies asylum seekers of a normal family or community life.”
The IRC’s report to ECRI criticised the state for maintaining systems that are time consuming, costly and hugely damaging to asylum seekers in order to make Ireland an unattractive place in which to claim asylum.
-ENDS-
Further information:
Sharon Waters 085 8585 510
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