FG call for asylum overhaul

ASYLUM seekers endure squalid living conditions despite taxpayers spending €83 million a year on accommodation for them, Fine Gael have warned.

The party’s integration spokesperson Denis Naughten last night called for a system overhaul to speed-up applications and improve housing in order to avoid future “social problems”.

“The unacceptable conditions in which some applicants are being housed are only storing up social problems for the future.”

He said the Government needed to fast-track applications. “There was a 21% increase in numbers in accommodation centres last year, even though applicants for asylum have dropped by two thirds in the last few years.

“It’s no surprise that the cost of housing asylum seekers increased by €4.5m between 2006 and 2007. It is costing Irish taxpayers an average of €521.25 every week in terms of social welfare and accommodation for each asylum seeker.

“With some applicants having to wait eight years for their claim to be fully processed, this represents a potential bill of €216,840 just to accommodate one person.

“This is not fair on those who genuinely seek asylum. And it is not fair on the Irish taxpayer who must fund it.” Mr Naughten said.