The number of people helped by the Irish Refugee Council climbed by 267% last year, compared with 2021.
It described 2022 as “an exceptional year” with the arrival of 70,165 Ukrainians fleeing war alongside a record number of 13,649 international protection applicants seeking refuge in Ireland.
“The invaluable support we received and continue to receive has allowed us to be there for the people we work with through one of the most challenging times in our 30 years of existence,” Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council said.
According to its 2022 Impact Report, it provided “direct and substantial support” to more than 11,000 people, an increase of 267% on 2021 when it supported 3,000 people.
The organisation’s helplines received more than 24,000 calls last year compared to 15,000 in 2021, a 60% increase.
Most of these queries came via its regular helpline number, which received 21,873 calls, but 2,683 calls were also made to its Ukrainian language information helpline.
It also received 5,000 email queries, up from 600 in 2021, and an increase of 733%.
Mr Henderson has warned that 2023 is shaping up to be another challenging year.
“The continuous deterioration of standards in reception centres, homelessness, and the far-right rise present a darker reality for people seeking protection as we journey through 2023,” Mr Henderson said.
According to the latest figures released by the Department of Children, Equality, Integration, Disability and Youth to RTÉ News, as of Thursday evening a record number of 371 recently arrived international protection applicants were without State provided accommodation.
Since 24 January, and close of business on 23 March, a total of 693 adult asylum seekers were told there was no accommodation available when they initially presented seeking international protection.
322 have since been offered a space, but just one offer has been made since 8 March.
On Wednesday, the High Court is due to hear two test cases, brought by two Afghan asylum-seekers who were homeless between 8 February and 3 March.
The applicants, who are being represented by the Irish Refugee Council Independent Law Centre are pursuing court declarations that their rights were breached and the failure to provide accommodation was unlawful.
New arrivals
Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Mr Henderson said international protection applicants arriving here receive a €25 voucher, a document with information and they “may” be directed to the Capuchin Day Centre.
Then, it would seem, they are just left to defend themselves on the streets of Dublin, he said.
“It is of such concern to us that there just doesn’t seem to be basic supports and services in place.”
Mr Henderson said that international protection applicants are entitled to a weekly payment but said that many people are unable to access this.
He called for proper information to be given to people when they arrive in Ireland and for a contact point to be established in a Government department for services to liaise with.
In addition there must be clarity around financial supports and proper pathways to treat medical conditions, he said.
He said people without accommodation are also being left homeless for longer periods of time while couples are being told they cannot be accommodated.
It is the holy month of Ramadan, he added, and a significant amount of people approaching their services are Muslim.
“So you can imagine how difficult it would be to fast and also be in a situation of homelessness.”
There are no homeless services that can be offered to refugees, he said.
He added that the Dublin Homeless Regional Executive has been “categorical” that they cannot offer services to people arriving here because they are the responsibility of the international protection accommodation service, which is part of the Department of Children.
267% rise in people helped by Irish Refugee Council
Source: Viral Trends Report
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