By Staff Reporter

A refugee support group has raised alarm over the increasing number of asylum seekers who have been placed in emergency accommodation.

It follows the revelation that more than 30 international protection applicants — including families with both babies and young children — have been housed in emergency hotel accommodation in Limerick because of a lack of capacity in the direct provision system since 1 July.

This brings the number of people currently housed in emergency accommodation in Ireland – excluding those in direct provision – to nearly 800 people.

“Doras remains deeply concerned about the ongoing and widespread use of emergency accommodation for international protection applicants,” said Doras chief executive Seán McSweeney.

“Such temporary measures have already led to barriers accessing basic services and supports in other parts of the country, including barriers to children securing school places and lack of access to basic support services.

“Residents are left in a precarious situation with no indication as to when they will again be transferred to a more long-term arrangement.”

The organisation said it has already expressed its concerns directly with the Department of Justice, and has offered supports to residents in emergency accommodation in Limerick.

McSweeney added: “While we acknowledge the capacity issues faced by the Department of Justice with regard to sourcing direct provision accommodation, we cannot allow such temporary measures to become long-term practices.

“Ireland has an obligation to provide for international protection applicants and we must ensure that their human rights are upheld and their basic needs are being met. Ireland cannot continue to outsource its responsibility to private companies.”

Doras has made a public appeal to support outreach support services it is arranging by donating basic supplies for residents.