Staff exposed to asylum seekers' traumatic stories at risk of anxiety, depression and insomnia

A formal risk assessment at the International Protection Office (IPO) said staff could suffer emotional distress and 'empathy fatigue' because of the nature of their work. File photo: Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ie

Staff processing asylum applications are at risk of anxiety, depression and insomnia because of exposure to traumatic personal stories and graphic material.

A formal risk assessment at the International Protection Office (IPO) said staff could suffer emotional distress and “empathy fatigue” because of the nature of their work.