Sinn Fein man challenges immigration practice

A senior Sinn Fein figure has challenged the Justice Minister, John O'Donoghue, to justify what he is calling the illegal action of immigration police at Dublin Airport in relation to asylum seekers.

Ard Comhairle member, Daithi Doolan, who was speaking at this afternoon's "Stop Deportations" rally, said asylum seekers are being rounded up as soon as they arrive at Dublin Airport, before being sent back to the countries they have come from.

Mr Doolan said this is contrary to Irish and international law.

Mr Doolan said: "Immigration police are putting them onto the first plane back to the country they are fleeing from. And if there is no plane available, they are putting them into Mountjoy jail until a plane does become available."