Asylum seekers enter third day of hunger strike in Tralee

Dozens of asylum seekers in Tralee, Co Kerry, are entering a third day of hunger strike today in protest at their treatment and conditions.

Around 60 residents at Atlas House - a male-only centre for asylum seekers - began the protest on Wednesday to highlight their situation.

They are demanding that officials from the Department of Justice visit them to see the conditions for themselves and have vowed to continue their fast until the request is met.

The men are aged in their 20s to 50s and some have been receiving direct provision in Atlas House for almost two years while waiting for their asylum applications to be processed.

Their concerns include visiting and other restrictions, the lack of recreational facilities, the standard of food they are given and the attitude of management and some staff at the centre.