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Asylum seekers say they are being moved from Limerick as punishment for city protest
ASYLUM seekers in Limerick have been given three days notice that they are being transferred to Dublin without their consent, and claim the move is "punishment" for taking part in a protest in the city this week.
Four asylum seekers residing at Hanratty's on Glentworth Street were informed of their transfer just hours after taking part in a demonstration this Tuesday.
"We aren't treated with any respect. We were given just three days notification. The last time we moved (from Clyde House to Hanratty's] we had to move within 24 hours," said Fonong Fevant, from Cameroon.
In his five years residing in Ireland, he has been moved from Tramore, Waterford city, Cork and to two centres in Limerick, where he has lived for the past three and a half years.
He claimed that he had been moved previously as "punishment" for complaining about the conditions in their designated accommodation.
"If you complain about their conditions you'll be punished by being transferred to another centre," claimed Mr Fevant, who fled his native country due to his work as a journalist and human rights activist.
He said once he stopped complaining the transfers ceased - until this Tuesday, when he was among some 35 asylum seekers taking part in a peaceful protest to highlight the plight of asylum seekers.
"In the whole asylum process we are looked upon as useless human beings," he told the Leader.
A spokesperson for the RIA said: "Transfers within the RIA portfolio occur an a daily basis as part of normal day-to-day business. Residents transfer to and from centres all the time and new asylum seekers arrive in the State every day. Any current transfers taking place from Hanratty's Hotel to elsewhere are entirely voluntary on the part of the residents concerned."
Correspondence from the RIA dated August 31, however, informs Mr Fonong of his move due to "operational and bed management reasons."
The fax, seen by the Limerick Leader, states he should arrive at his new centre, Hatch Hall in Dublin 2, no later than this Friday, September 3.
Mr Fonong also claimed that as many as six asylum seekers had to sleep in one room in Hanratty's on occasion, but the owner of the premises said this is an "exaggeration".
Owner and manager JP Ryan said the standard of accommodation is "very good" and he's never had a complaint from a resident.
"We cater for all their needs. We have a good relationship with all our customers and guests. The food is cooked to suit people of all different nationalities, as well as with Ramadan at the moment. They are looked after to a very high standard."
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Weather for Limerick
Wednesday 08 February 2012
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Light rain
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