Asylum agency ‘stifling’debate

THE government body for integrating asylum seekers has been accused of “stifling political debate” by not allowing canvassing at hostels.

The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA), which operates direct provision accommodation on behalf of the Department of Justice, has turned political candidates away and does not allow any posters or leaflets to be displayed.

Both the Irish Council of Civil Liberties (ICCL) and Integrating Ireland have now made a formal complaint to the Standards in Public Office Commission and to the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, based in Warsaw, Poland.