Athlone Senator, Nicky McFadden has heavily criticised the Government for its deplorable treatment of Ireland’s asylum seekers who are being forced to wait up to seven years for asylum and ‘leave to remain’ applications to be processed.
“Through no fault of their own asylum seekers are being compelled to wait up to seven years for application to be processed to finality,” said the Senator.
“The Government’s refusal to deal adequately with the asylum process has resulted in the inhumane treatment of people who are left hanging for years without a final decision being taken on their case. This broken system is not only costing taxpayers and the Exchequer but asylum seekers are paying dearly for these painstaking delays.
“A number of successful appeals by asylum seekers, who challenged their refusal of asylum, resulted in them being able to claim full social welfare benefits due to the fact that they have been in Ireland so long and have integrated into the local community.
“The Social Welfare Bill recently under discussion in the Seanad closed that loophole so that asylum seekers may no longer be eligible for such entitlements.
“Under questioning by me in the Seanad, the Minister confirmed that the legislation which seals off this possibility to applicants would not be retrospective and that it will apply only to claims decided following the enactment of the Bill.”
She also stated that it applies to all the social assistance schemes, including child benefit.
“These extended delays in processing applications for asylum and ‘leave to remain’ must be dealt with,” declared Ms McFadden.
“While waiting for an asylum application to be processed each person is entitled to just €19.10; a sort of pocket money allowance. Some people have been waiting for years and they are living in desperate situations. The centre in Athlone is appalling, as is the fact that some people are being forced to live in mobile homes, not knowing how long it will be before their claim is processed.
“Fine Gael has repeatedly called for a more efficient use of resources to deal with asylum and ‘leave to remain’ applications. This maltreatment of asylum seekers cannot be allowed to continue.”
