MEDIA STATEMENTS
Doras’ latest media statements/press releases, with an archive of previous statements at the bottom of this page. Please contact info@doras.org with any queries.
Press Release
27 August 2020
Doras concerns about ongoing safety and wellbeing of residents in
Direct Provision during Covid-19 Pandemic
Limerick-based migrant and refugee support organisation Doras has highlighted renewed concerns about safety and wellbeing of residents in Direct Provision, in light of recurring clusters of Covid-19 in IPAS accommodation in recent weeks.
“Since March, Doras and many other bodies have been calling for an effective response to the threat of Covid-19 in Direct Provision”, said John Lannon, Doras CEO. “Today, Direct Provision centres remain one of the commonly reported locations for clusters, with no clear response planned beyond testing.”
Doras has also raised concerns about the effectiveness of proposed fortnightly Covid-19 testing in centres.
“In various parts of society, including education, commerce and public services, the way in which people operate has been changed to respond to Covid-19. But by and large Direct Provision has not changed”, said Lannon.
“The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) are introducing regular testing, which may have some positive effects. But we need preventative measures like the reduction of people living in congregated settings, not just detection. To routinely test people that already have to endure Direct Provision serves to treat international protection applicants as the source of the problem, instead of acknowledging that Direct Provision is the problem.”
The lack of clarity relating to transfers and people returning to Direct Provision centres is also a cause for concern for Doras.
“IPAS continue to transfers some people between centres, while others that are seeking transfers are not being accommodated. This is contributing to the sense of fear and trepidation highlighted in a recent Irish Refugee Council report of people’s experiences of Direct Provision during the pandemic. People’s employment or their ability to obtain employment is also at risk because of the failure to ensure people can social distance in Direct Provision centres.”
“There are ongoing concerns about how the Department of Justice is responding to Covid-19 in Direct Provision. We welcome some of the long-overdue changes made in recent weeks, but urge the Department to do more to ensure the safety of people seeking International Protection in Ireland.”
ENDS
For further media information please contact info@doras.org
ARCHIVE
2020
- Doras concerns about ongoing safety and wellbeing of residents in
Direct Provision during Covid-19 Pandemic (27/8/2020) - Doras express concerns with social welfare checks at airports (27/7/2020)
- Doras concerns about safety of residents in Direct Provision following allegation of sexual violence in a centre (10/7/2020)
- Doras highlights issues with accommodating victims of human trafficking in Direct Provision (26/6/2020)
- Doras launches the Refugee Resettlement Toolkit with support from UNHCR Ireland (20/6/2020)
- Doras calls on parties negotiating the next programme of government to ensure that the abolition of Direct Provision is prioritised (11/6/2020)
- Doras reiterates call for closure of Cahirsiveen Centre (22/5/2020)
- Doras Welcomes Ombudsman report on Direct Provision, Expresses Disappointment with Department of Justice and Equality Response (24/4/2020)
- Doras Calls for Vulnerable People to be Moved from IPAS
Accommodation Centres during Covid-19 Pandemic (24/3/2020) - Doras Calls on Irish Government to Respond to Developments on Greek Border (10/3/2020)
- Doras Welcomes the Imminent Closure of Mount Trenchard (11/1/2020)
2019
- Doras Welcomes Joint Oireachtas Committee Report, Notes Omissions and Calls for Vulnerability Assessments to be Implemented Immediately (20/12/2019)
- Doras Calls for the Immediate Closure of Mount Trenchard Direct Provision Centre (9/12/2019)
- Doras Luimní is rebranding, and is now Doras (13/11/2019)
- Doras calls on Government to take responsibility & cover basic needs of residents of emergency accommodation (16/08/2019)
- Doras concerned about use of emergency hotel accommodation for families in Limerick (05/07/2019)
- Limerick Election Candidates Sign Anti-Racism Election Protocol 2019 (02/05/2019)
- Doras Urges Limerick Election Candidates to Demonstrate Commitment to Anti-Racism (24/04/2019)
- Doras Welcomes New CEO (07/03/2019)
2018
- Doras calls for human rights of people living in Direct Provision to be upheld (10/12/2018)
- Doras calls for action on human trafficking in Ireland and the EU (18/10/2018)
- Doras welcomes right to work for asylum seekers (03-07-2018)
- Statement on World Refugee Day 2018 (21-06-2018)
- Joint Statement from Migrant Rights Groups_8th Amendment (30-04-2018)
- Doras expand support services to respond to refugee needs in Ireland (19-02-2018)
- Effective access to employment for asylum seekers further delayed by Government (23-01-2018)