Referrals for abuse and neglect spark asylum system fears

THERE were 485 referrals in the country’s asylum system last year, including cases of alleged child neglect, abandonment, physical abuse, suspected trafficking and domestic violence.

The figures, released by the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA), which oversees the running of 47 centres for asylum seekers around the country, also show referrals made on the basis of suspected emotional abuse and mental health issues.

The figures raise concerns over the direct provision system, which at the end of last month was home to 5,586 people.