We recently
reported about the order to close down an asylum-seeker centre in Galway,
entitled the Lisbrook Centre (incorrectly referenced in the article as the
Lisburn Centre). The Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has deferred this
closing order so that he may review the motivations, reports the Irish Times in
an article from Thursday, 13th September.
In earlier
articles about the issue, authorities have reported that the centre was ordered
to be closed because of a falling number of asylum seekers requiring
accommodation in the State, and budgets were tight. However, that does not
change the fact that there are still hundreds of asylum seekers depending on
direct accommodation facilities such as the Lisbrook Centre while they wait for
the determination of their application. The article reports that some have
waited for up to four years on the determination of their application, and many
have moved up to nine times as they await a decision.
School has
just started and many young asylum seekers have begun studying at a local
school. They have just settled in and hope to integrate, and the Labour Galway
West TD Derek Nolan cited the closure as a “terrible way to treat people.”
Local
residents who support the maintenance of the Lisbrook Centre have heavily
criticized the closure decision, and they intend to move forward with the
planned rally in Galway on Saturday.
Hopefully
the Minister reviews the decision to close the centre and quashes it, allowing
many refugees who have already suffered unimaginable trials a renewed sense of
welcome and security in the State.
14.09.12
