Legal advice service slams treatment of asylum seekers

The Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC) has described the Government's "direct provision" scheme for asylum seekers as a discriminatory system that has no basis in law.

Under the "direct provision" scheme, asylum seekers are given meals and accommodation and "comfort money" of €19.10 per adult each week.

FLAC has claimed that, on the other hand, homeless Irish people are guaranteed accommodation and no less than €60 per week.

Solicitor Eleanor Edmond said: "FLAC is calling for the system of direct provision to be abandoned and for all asylum seekers to be dealt with under the existing Irish social welfare legislation."