Minister vows to reform asylum system

The Direct Provision system for asylum-seekers has been branded "inhumane" by the Equalities Minister as major changes were promised

However, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, minister with special responsibility for equality and new communities, was attacked by critics for not acting quickly enough to reform the way asylum-seekers are treated.

Mr Ó Ríordáin’s remarks followed reports by RTÉ that some women in the centres have turned to prostitution in order to provide for their families as they are banned from working and receive an allowance of only €19.10 per week.