Concerns Raised About Conditions At Midlands Direct Provision Centre

Saturday, 4 January 2020 13:36

Laois Justice Minister is promising to look into it.

The Justice Minister is promising to look into a video raising concerns about conditions at a midlands direct provision centre.

The footage from a site in Portarlington, Co. Laois shows 10 beds in one room - where it's claimed 11 asylum seekers sleep.

Eleven asylum seekers are being crammed into 10 beds in one room inside the East End Hotel in Portarlington, which is being used as emergency accommodation by the Dep of Justice

One resident secretly recorded this video and sent it to me earlier #directprovision @NewstalkFM pic.twitter.com/v11hCGnQwR
— Barry Whyte (@BarryWhyte85) January 3, 2020

Minister Charlie Flanagan says he's asked officials to prepare a report on the matter.

The video was shared with reporter Barry Whyte, who says the system is coming under huge pressure:

I am concerned at the content of this video clip. I have sought a report on this matter from the appropriate authorities. There are clear standards in respect of accommodation that should be upheld & complied with at all times. I will share the report with @cardagh when to hand. https://t.co/8Mxx7FaLJs
— Charlie Flanagan (@CharlieFlanagan) January 3, 2020