Cathedral 'not appropriate' for Afghan refugees

Church of Ireland Archbishop John Neill says that Saint Patrick's Cathedral is not an appropriate place for refugees to protest.

41 Afghans have taken refuge in the cathedral since yesterday and are refusing food and water in a bid to avoid being deported.

They claim their lives are in serious jeopardy if they're sent back to Afghanistan.

The Archbishop says he will do his best to help and support the men, and has no intention of asking them to leave.

“I don't think we've any particular right of refuge in this country. That was something that was there in ancient times,” he said today.

“But certainly there's no intention as far as I'm aware that they would be expelled. But it's not an appropriate place for them to be because it is not a place with proper facilities.”