A CASE challenging aspects of Ireland’s system of accommodation for asylum seekers is expected to come before the High Court for a judicial review hearing next Monday.
An asylum seeker, who cannot be named for legal reasons, brought the proceedings after being ejected from the Richmond Court Accommodation Centre in Longford.
According to previous reports, the man was informed of allegations he had been abusive to staff and was being transferred to another centre. The man has denied the accusations. Staff had assumed a hostile attitude towards him, he said.
He is seeking a declaration that the methods of accommodation for asylum seekers do not adhere with the European Convention on Human Rights, of which the Irish Government is a signatory.
In his affidavit, the man said the accommodation in Longford was poor, but that he had made friends there.
He said he made a complaint to gardaí relating to alleged electoral fraud involving residents and James Keogh, the centre’s manager and a Fine Gael councillor.
The man had also made formal complaints about “inedible” food at the centre, gathering signatures from 22 other residents.
One legal source observing the case said it would put “a searchlight” on aspects of direct provision, particularly the fact that residents have no independent authority to which they can complain about conditions.
Meanwhile, Cllr James Keogh could not be reached by press time. He previously told the Longford Today newspaper that allegations he paid asylum seekers for votes were “utterly false and without foundation”.
