Irish asylum system making integration difficult, says report

A report being launched today has found the current asylum system is making it difficult for refugees to integrate in Irish society.

The EU-funded study calls for measures to address the barriers facing refugees in the workplace and education.

The Towards a New Beginning study was conducted by the UN High Commission for Refugees and calls for a reduction in the time spent by asylum seekers in direct provision and a speeding up of the application process.

It finds that direct provision can lead to disempowerment and dependency, and is one of a number of factors making integration into Irish society more challenging.

It also wants measures to address other barriers to integration, asying that recognition of international qualifications and access to documentation would help refugees to get work.

The report also says measures to ease access to sporting, faith-based groups and schools will ease the transition to a new life for refugees.