LIMERICK-based migrant and refugee support organisation, Doras, has expressed deep concerns over reports that the government is considering asking families without enough money to buy baby clothes to fork out for a portion of their accommodation costs.
Doras CEO John Lannon hit out that “we’re talking about families who are already struggling to get by, they’ve left their homes in most cases with nothing”.
He said that the organisation has just launched an appeal for donations of basic items including baby clothes and blankets, winter coats and shoes, “because we’ve seen how destitute those families are right now”.
Mr Lannon described how some families have “arrived with nothing. They don’t have friends or family they can get any assistance from.”
“If the government wants asylum seekers to contribute in the same way as everyone else, then they need to ensure that these families have access to services and supports like everyone else.”
Under current immigration rules, asylum seekers do not receive child benefit, cannot avail of State supports – like grants for third level education – and are not eligible for the social housing list.
Doras and other organisations have long reported on the sub-standard accommodation provided for asylum seekers, many of which are converted warehouses, pubs, and offices.
Mr Lannon said that inspections by the Health Information and Quality Authority last April reported pest infestations and overcrowding in some accommodation centres, with children having to do homework on the floor.
“This is what the State would be asking people to contribute towards,” he said.
He said that, just like all Irish workers, asylum seekers who work pay tax, “so we question the motives behind this new announcement, as there has been an ongoing trend that undermines the rights of asylum seekers and puts them in situations where they are at further risk of exploitation by employers, people traffickers, and others.”
“When the Taoiseach says that the government will consider further changes to the supports available to those seeking asylum in this country, we worry that they will make a situation that is already difficult for many people even worse.”
There are currently 2,588 people seeking international protection in Ireland who have not been provided with accommodation.
