A group of protesting asylum seekers, who claimed to be on hunger strike at a direct provision centre near Foynes in Co Limerick, have been transferred to other asylum hostels.

Speaking at the centre, a management source said the five men had sought transfers out of the privately operated Mount Trenchard facility - and had attempted to prevent staff from gaining entry to the main building.

The group said they were protesting over delays in the processing of their asylum status and also complained about living conditions.

A management source said gardaí were called to the centre this morning to transfer the protestors, who requested transfers and had attempted to prevent staff from entering the facility.

There are currently over 50 residents at the housing facility, who under the current system receive €19 per week - but are not allowed to work.

Recently a United Nations body likened direct provision centres to the scandal of the Irish mother and baby homes, with key issues for asylum seekers being systemic delays in processing applications and the lack of an independent complaints mechanism.

The Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has pledged to reform the system.

According to human rights group Doras Lumni, the average length of time individuals spend in direct provision is four years - with 25% of asylum seekers spending over six years in limbo.