More than 350 asylum seekers remain homeless since arriving in Ireland according to the Irish Refugee Council.

In its Impact Report for 2022, the council warns that the failure to provide shelter to asylum seekers highlights “a further deterioration in the rights of people seeking protection” in  Ireland.

It describes the situation as ‘grave and deteriorating’ and warns that it requires all-of-Government attention.

“Exceptional and unprecedented”

Meanwhile, the report notes that the number of people supported by the council last year rose by 267%.

It shows that the council provided “direct and substantial” support to 11,000 people seeking refuge in the State last year – Up from around 3,000 the year before.

“In a year of records, we should remember that behind every number there is a person,” said IRC chief Nick Henderson.

“From the young mother from Ukraine alone with her toddler to the man fleeing political persecution in Eritrea with the simple aspiration of seeking safety, all come to Ireland with hope.

“It is our mission to help all people in this situation.”

Help

IRC helplines received 24,000 calls from 15,000 people in 2021, a 60% increase on the year before.

IRC staff also responded to 5,000 email queries last year – up 733% on 2020.

Main image shows asylum seekers queueing outside the Refugee Application Centre on Mount Street in Dublin, 30-01-2023. Image: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews