No State Provided Accommodation For Newly-Arrived Asylum Seekers In Ireland

It has been reported that 147 International Protection Applicants who recently arrived in Ireland, were told that there was no beds available for them.

These were the latest figures posted by the Department of Integration, as newly arrived asylum seekers revealed they were given sleeping bags, but were not provided with any tents.

This comes after the Government withdrew its offer of beds to all International Protection Applicants earlier this month, due to a reported shortage of accommodation.

Such asylum seekers include Afghan national Frman Shirazd, who is sleeping under a bridge beside the International Protection Office, as well as Naqueebullah Ulfat, who arrived from Afghanistan a week ago.

Unhappy about there being no work or accommodation, Mr Shirazd stated that it took him nearly 3 years to come to Ireland via road. 

Both men were given contact details for a charity who provided them with sleeping bags. But neither were given tents.

Having ceased availability of all beds to International Protection Applicants, the Government have stated that those affected will receive an extra €75 on top of the weekly €38.80 allowance, increasing their allowance from the current rate of €38.80 weekly, to €113.80.

Since December 4, 185 male asylum seekers arrived at the office on Mount Street, with 19 of these men offered accommodation, as they were deemed most vulnerable. 

The other 166 were offered "contingency payment in lieu of accommodation" , with 19 receiving accommodation, leaving 147 people waiting.