Government told to improve 'substandard' asylum seeker accommodation if charges brought in

James Cox

The Government is under fire for considering forcing asylum seekers to pay towards the cost of their accommodation.

Doras said if the Government wants asylum seekers to contribute, it must ensure they have access to services and supports like everyone else.

Asylum seekers don't receive child benefit, cannot avail of State supports like grants for college, and are not allowed to get on the social housing list.

Doras CEO John Lannon said their living conditions are not up to scratch.

Mr Lannon told Newstalk: "They live in very substandard accommodation... places like converted warehouses, tents, remote locations.

"They have to pay for transport to get to and from work. Hiqa inspections last April highlited that the conditions were really poor, very substandard in a lot of the centres that asylum seekers are living in."