Call for independent complaints process

THE Irish Refugee Council has said an independent complaints process was needed for asylum seekers after a teenage girl was allegedly raped and impregnated by another resident.

It is alleged the girl was raped five months ago at a centre in Co Mayo. Gardaí are investigating.

The council’s chief executive, Sue Conlan, referred to the delay between the alleged incident and the matter being investigated, and said the fear of making complaints was putting vulnerable people who are in asylum seeker accommodation at risk.