Integration boss hits back at Ahern’s ‘90% unfounded’ asylum claim

THE head of Integrating Ireland has hit back at Justice Minister Dermot Ahern’s claim that 90% of asylum claims are “unfounded”.

Aki Stavrou, director of the independent network which supports immigrants and refugees, said the use of the word unfounded, as opposed to rejected, was dangerous and sent out the perception all asylum-seekers were trying to con the system.

“For the minister to use the word, unfounded, is dangerous. It seems to say the claims have no legal basis whatsoever and, while this might apply to some applications, to give the impression nine out of 10 have no legal basis is pre-empting due process.”