Refugee group urges end to direct provision scheme

The Irish Refugee Council has repeated its call for the Government to end the controversial scheme of direct provision for asylum seekers.

It follows the publication of the latest annual report by the State agency overseeing the housing of people applying for refugee status.

IRC spokeswoman Sharon Waters said the system of housing asylum seekers in 35 centres around the country, while preventing them from working, was unjustified on grounds of basic human rights.