You are dealing with people who have undergone torture, very often, but tribunal members seem to be unaware of this

CHILD advocacy specialist Norah Gibbons was shocked when she heard there are more than 2,000 children living in direct provision accommodation in this country.

It is shocking. And an issue that seems to be largely ignored, through ignorance or by design, by the Government.

Answering a parliamentary question on the welfare of children in direct provision last month, Health Minister Mary Harney replied that accommodation for ‘separated children’ seeking asylum is under the remit of HSE inspectors.