Non-nationals protest against delays in asylum system

Around 100 non-nationals have mounted a demonstration in Mosney, Co Meath, this afternoon to protest at delays in the asylum process and other issues.

The demonstrators said the current system for assessing asylum applications was too slow. They also said they wanted to be integrated into and contribute to Irish society.

At present, asylum seekers are not allowed to work until their applications have been assessed.

Those who cannot afford independent lifestyles are forced to spend the assessment period living on subsistence allowances from the Government and in state-funded accommodation centres like that in Mosney.