Wicklow TD Seeks Government Action On Asylum Seeker Crisis.

Whitmore writes to Integration Minister seeking urgent Government action on accommodation shortage for asylum seekers 

Whitmore writes to Integration Minister seeking urgent Government action on accommodation shortage for asylum seekers 

The Minister for Integration must immediately respond to the escalating humanitarian crisis facing migrants living in tents on the streets of Dublin, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said:“The disgraceful scene outside the International Protection office on Mount Street – where around 150 tents now line the pavement – is a shameful reminder of this Government’s failure to get to grips with the immigration crisis.“For the hundreds of asylum seekers forced to live in such appalling conditions, this is no longer just a humanitarian crisis – it is becoming a serious public health risk. Lack of sanitation and running water has resulted in health problems for some international protection applicants, with growing cases of skin and respiratory conditions reported.“These extremely vulnerable people have come to Ireland seeking the protection of the State, only to find themselves sleeping outdoors in freezing and wet conditions, living in constant fear of attack.“There are now over 1,200 international protection applicants around the country without a bed. For months, the Minister has been promising a plan to deal with the accommodation shortage facing asylum seekers. We need to see this plan brought forward as a matter of urgency.““I have now written to Minister Roderic O’Gorman, urging him to outline what his department’s response will be to this unfolding humanitarian crisis – a crisis that appears to be the result of deliberate Government policy to discourage refugees from coming to Ireland.”