THE Caiseal Mara Hotel in Moville will shortly become a Direct Provision centre, accommodating around 100 people seeking International Protection in Ireland.
Inishowen Together have issued a statement extending a warm welcome to those arriving but criticised the direct provision system.
“We understand that people seeking asylum have faced untold difficulty in the countries that they have fled – the horrors of war and the terror of political and religious persecution – and we would like to offer solidarity and whatever support we can usefully provide,” said Inishowen Together spokesperson, Siobhan Shiels.
“The people arriving in Moville are in a vulnerable position and place in their lives – but immense strength and resilience have brought them here. Inishowen is certain to benefit massively from this injection of many new talents, perspectives and experiences.
“It is good news that we get to meet 100 new people. Bad news is the fact that they join us via the discredited system of Direct Provision – a system run for private profit that segregates asylum seekers from the community in hostel accommodation where they cannot cook for themselves or enjoy a private family life.
“Across the country, we have seen reports of the damage done to Direct Provision residents’ mental health from years stuck in a system that infantilises them; that tells them what and when to eat; that makes them live in small rooms with strangers; that forces them to work out how to survive in isolated locations on €21.60 per week; that pushes them out of work and education to see their skills and qualifications stagnate.”
Ms Shiels went on to say that Direct Provision in Ireland is a disgrace and that they do not want the legacy of Direct Provision to be a stain on Moville.
“We in Inishowen Together stand with the country-wide campaign to End Direct Provision – and we will offer support to new Moville residents embattled by the system. We will also be pushing for the immediate and genuine right and opportunity to work for residents: Inishowen without a car is a challenge; and the border rules out any opportunity that the nearest city of Derry might have had to offer since asylum seekers aren’t free to cross it.”
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