Asylum seekers need access to services and supports like everyone else, according to a migrant rights charity.

Doras is also criticising the Government’s decision to consider forcing working asylum seekers to contribute towards the cost of their accommodation.

Asylum seekers do not receive child benefit, cannot avail of State supports like grants for college, and are not allowed to get on the social housing list.

'Substandard accommodation'

Doras CEO John Lannon said the living conditions provided to asylum seekers by the State are not up to scratch.

“They live in very substandard accommodation, places like converted warehouses, tents, remote locations,” he told Newstalk.

“They have to pay for transport to get to and from work and HIQA inspections last April highlighted that the conditions were really poor, very substandard in many of the centres that asylum seekers are living in.”

Members of the public pass tents belonging to asylum seekers along the Grand Canal, as news reports indicate the number of tents has now increased to above 100. Photograph: Sasko Lazarov / © RollingNews.ie

Mr Lannon said the Government should do more for vulnerable arrivals.

“We have to bear in mind that we're talking here about people who are already struggling to get by,” he said.

“They've left home in many cases with nothing, they've risked everything to get here, and they're trying to establish a life that's safe for themselves and their families in Ireland.

“If the Government wants asylum seekers to contribute, even if they are working, then they need to ensure that the same people have access to services and supports like everyone else.”

Grand Canal patrols

Meanwhile, People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy has criticised the introduction of 24-hour security patrols along the Grand Canal in Dublin.

The patrols aim to block homeless asylum seekers from camping along the waterway.

People Before Profit believes the Government is doing this instead of providing them with decent indoor accommodation.

'Scandalous'

Deputy Murphy said it was a waste of State funds.

“This is another scandalous waste of public money,” he told Newstalk.

“Waterways Ireland is now spending €30,000 a week on fencing to fence off our public space.

“Now, they're adding to that 24-hour security, which is going to cost thousands on top of that, all for what purpose?”

It’s estimated that over 20,000 people will have applied for asylum in Ireland by the end of 2024.

Main image: Asylum seekers shoes (Runners) left outside the tents at the Grand Canal today. Photo: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie