Asylum seekers ‘denied chance to integrate’

HUNDREDS of asylum seekers are facing into at least their third New Year in Ireland living in direct provision accommodation, according to the Irish Refugee Council.

The council’s chief executive Peter O’Mahony said these families have had no real opportunity to integrate, and the children of many such families have never known a parent to cook a meal or to work, because they are not allowed to do so.

He also urged the Government to increase the supplementary welfare available to such families. These allowances have not risen from €19.10 a week per adult and half that rate for children in more than five years.