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.

They claim the policy, which was issued last July but has just come to light, interferes with the democratic rights of residents.

Head of the ICCL Mark Kelly said its information on the issue was not just coming from political parties, but across the board, and in a number of hostels.

“Our organisations have made formal complaints about the undemocratic nature of this RIA policy at both domestic and international level,” he said.

A copy of agency’s circular seen by the Irish Examiner states: “To maintain the politically neutral environment in asylum centres under contract to RIA, centre managers must ensure that party political leaflets, posters or circulars are not displayed or circulated.

“If such documentation is received through the post, it must be returned to the sender accompanied by a copy of this circular.”

According to the ICCL, the document is specifically concerned about the circulation of information that includes “political stances being taken in relation to various issues in the asylum/immigration area”.

Director of Integrating Ireland Aki Stavrou, said it was “shocking” to find that the RIA had been operating a policy which appeared designed to stifle political debate and access to information by political candidates. “Asylum seekers have a right to vote in local elections… This constitutes a direct interference with the democratic rights of residents in centres under contract to RIA.”