Meanwhile, At Mosney

at

Outside the Direct Provision centre in Mosney, Co Meath

This afternoon.

Some residents of the Direct Provision centre at the former Mosney holiday camp in Co Meath are holding a protest.

It follows a single mother reportedly attempting suicide at the centre.

Yesterday, the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland posted the following on Facebook:

Not very long ago, a man living in the Hazel Hotel Direct Provision centre in Kildare died as a result of suicide.

His roommates and friends tried to get help for him and their attempts were met with a government that is uninterested in the wellbeing of people living in Direct Provision centre.

With a prevailing sense of hopelessness, the man took his life. He was not the first person to do so in a Direct Provision centre.

And considering that the State gives people antidepressants or sleeping pills instead of addressing the causality of untenable limbo in the system, it would be naive to think that he’d be the last person to do so.

A single mother who has only been in Ireland for a few weeks is in hospital after attempting suicide in the Mosney Direct Provision centre.

The mother arrived in Ireland with her 5 year old son. A few days ago, her other 2 children, a 16 year old boy and an 11 year girl joined her.

She was to remain in Mosney Direct Provision centre while her asylum claim is processed. However, she was advised by staff in Mosney that they do not have space to accommodate the family of 4 and so they were shipped off to a hotel in Cavan.

The hotel in Cavan gave the family a standard hotel room where all 4 were expected to live.

The teenage boy required medical attention and there was no assistance provided in the hotel.

Concerned for her child’s life, the single mother left the hotel in Cavan and went back to Mosney where she’d at least have staff assist with getting help.

Since international protection applicants are new to Ireland and as such are unfamiliar with how things work, staff in Direct Provision centres are to display all the relevant emergency contact details and call for emergency services when the need arises.

There was no one to point her in the right direction so she contacted the International Protection Office and informed them that she was returning to Mosney.

She was met with hostility from one staff member in the centre who shouted at her, telling that she needs to take her children and go. The mother did not leave.

The staff member then told her that she wouldn’t get food and care for her sick child. The distressed mother reported the matter to Tusla.

Other residents in the centre contacted a local councillor who spoke with management and a house that can accommodate the family magically appeared in the same Mosney they had claimed had no space for her. The mother is in hospital after attempting suicide.

When a child or resident in Reception and Integration (it should be incarceration) Agency accommodation needs medical attention, the staff are required to organise transport to a healthcare facility as most Direct Provision centres aren’t accessible by public transport.

Here you have a case of a family being shipped around without reason as means of punishment for complaining.

Other residents MASI spoke to are fearful and reluctant to raise issues they have with management because the minute a person complains, they are moved to another centre.

Such is the case of the man who was transferred from Mosney to Longford after an altercation in the centre.

Three children could’ve lost their mother to suicide because of staff in Direct Provision centres who treat people like a Yoyo, moving them around at will.

Other residents are terrified to raise any concerns they have because they could be uprooted anytime to a place that is worse than the one they are currently in.

MASI calls on the Department of Justice and Equality to abolish the abhorrent system of Direct Provision and treat people with dignity.

After 20 years and many suicides, we’re tired of mourning asylum seekers who are pushed to limits by staff who do not respect their right to dignity.

Ireland used to treat international protection applicants humanely. Surely someone in the Irish government knows how to vindicate fundamental human rights for everyone in Ireland. And we encourage Irish people to contact their elected representatives and tell them to #EndDirectProvision.

Residents may stage a protest and would welcome support from people living close to Mosney.

Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (Facebook)

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55 thoughts on “Meanwhile, At Mosney

  1. Panty Christ

    For those calling for an immediate end to DP can you suggest an alternative? Seriously now.

    1. Mickey Twopints

      No, it’s not worth the effort just for a few brown people. They don’t know how lucky they are – they should be grateful and if they don’t like it they should go back where they came from. Anyway, if they’re in DP it’s their own fault because if they were genuine asylum seekers they’d have been granted asylum by now.

      Have I left anything out?

      1. Mickey Twopints

        Postmanpat, reliable as ever, has thrown in one I hadn’t thought of below, to wit:

        “I wonder what country/conflict she fled from.”

        This, of course, is crucial information, as it helps us to make a decision as to whether or not this brown/black woman and her children (where is the father in all of this???) are worthy of our assistance.

        1. rotide

          Interesting to know that you hadn’t actually thought of what the refugee system is actually based on.

          Tool.

          1. Mickey Twopints

            Was that addressed at me? I can never be sure when you dribble like that.

            Rotide, I think you know how much value I place on your opinion. You do know, right? Impressed that you know what I think, though. Kudos.

          2. Andrew

            Okay, so we’ve got your summation of the opinions/tropes you disagree with.
            What is your alternative to direct provision as previously asked?

          3. rotide

            I don’t really know or care what value you place on my opinion, I’m merely addressing that this:

            “This, of course, is crucial information, as it helps us to make a decision as to whether or not are worthy of our assistance.”

            … is exactly what Immigration officials do. Would you care to mention any country that does not act in this respect?

        2. Rob_G

          “… this brown/black woman and her children (where is the father in all of this???) are worthy of our assistance.”

          They are currently receiving our assistance; they are being clothed and fed, and receiving a small monthly stipend.

          “… brown/black

          – that’s a bit of a big assumption on your part; the country with the highest number of asylum seekers to Ireland last year was Georgia; Albania is also high up the list.

          1. Mickey Twopints

            I’m displaying my bigotry Rob_G.

            I’m surprised you of all people don’t recognise it when you see it.

          2. Rob_G

            I don’t think that you are a bigot, Mickey; I’m just not really sure that you understand the complexities surrounding Ireland’s asylum system…

          3. Mickey Twopints

            I’m quietly confident that you have no idea what I understand, or to what degree.

          4. Andrew

            You’re right, nobody has any idea what you understand or to what degree because you have not actually engaged with the subject apart from sneering sarcastic remarks. So people will make assumptions on your grasp of the issues.
            Can you tell us what your alternatives are to direct provision?

          5. Rob_G

            Based on the limited understanding that you have displayed in this thread, I would be inclined to agree with you.

    2. Bodger

      According to most recent figures (December 2017) there were 5,096 in direct provision centres, including 801 families and 1,420 children. They are staying an average of 23 months.. If delays are the fault of the state could an amnesty be given to those who are in the system longer than two years?

      1. Cian

        How many people in direct provision for more that 9 months have had their refugee application rejected and are now appealing?

        Honest question – I can’t find the numbers anywhere. But when I looked before you could see that people from, say Syria, were being processed in months… people from certain other countries were taking much longer.

      1. Daisy Chainsaw

        Some people in family hubs have jobs, family hub dwellers have access to a range of social welfare entitlements and an opportunity to cook for themselves. DP recipients can’t do any of these things.

        Family hubs are horrible, but I’d say people in DP would take it over their current circumstances in a heartbeat.

      2. Mickey Twopints

        They are also free to control their own diet, they can have visitors, are not subject to a curfew, are not placed in dormitories with total strangers, and have access to complaint and redress mechanisms which will not see them moved to the other end of the country against their will. Just to name a few.

        1. eoin

          Given that 700 of the 5,000-odd in DP have been granted asylum, won’t those 700 be fully entitled to work or seek social assistance?

          The cooking thing sounds horrendous, but it’s no different to the thousands in hotel or B&B rooms or hostels.

          The curfew and visitor thing also sounds horrendous and controlling, but aren’t hostels and family hubs subject to similar rules?

          I’m not trying to drive a wedge between two very vulnerable groups of people, but what is the solution to DP if there isn’t even adequate housing for the 10,000 in emergency accommodation? The solution is the provision of proper housing. Meantime, there is no reason why the 700 in DP whose asylum has been approved but who can’t find housing, aren’t included in the emergency accommodation figures.

    3. realPolithicks

      In years to come some Irish government will establish one of those endless “commission of inquiry” to look into this scandal and everyone will go…”what a scandal, how could this happen!”. Well its going on right now as you read this so NOW is the time to do something about it, contact your local elected officials and demand that something be done now to end this disgrace.

    1. millie st murderlark

      Not relevant at all. She’s in this country and she requires assistance.

      It’s about treating other human beings with dignity.

      1. dav

        it’s relevant to the alt-right like pat, so they can decide there and then if the person requires asylum or not

        1. Andrew

          but that’s not how it works dav. Due process is followed and everyone is given a hearing. Nobody decides anything ;there and then’.
          Applications are rejected however and people are entitled to appeal. many of those appellants remain in direct provision while they await their appeal decision

          1. dav

            I was explaining why the alt-right (pat) want to know the nationality/race/religion/sex/shoe size of an asylum seeker, not the actual process.

          2. rotide

            “I was explaining why the alt-right (pat) want to know the nationality/race/religion/sex”

            If by ‘alt right’ you mean ‘The Government’ then yes, you are correct. The Immigration service requires all this information. I’d guess shoe size is not required.

          3. postmanpat

            alt right? I’m left on everything. I don’t vote in elections because they are all right wing to slightly less right wing but still right wing. I Love the weed , the gays, the people who want the choose abortion , I hate the church, I don’t eat meat. how is that remotely alt right Dav?. you Idiot. I don’t need to know what conflict (real or fake) this lady ran from, I (and everyone else here if they are being honest) was just curious and thought someone might know . being a public forum and all. I think let them all out to work. what’s the harm really?. there’s loads of home grown bums that wouldn’t work in a fit. its the corporations and unscrupulous employer who will hurt these people but at least there is a chance out side the DP system. The government should be cracking down on exploitive employers and landlords , not asylum seekers even if they aren’t 100% genuine, and its not like they will ever go home so what’s the point of DP? Pull effect? I don’t buy that, If the trillionaire corporations were to cough up proper tax, 99% percent of our problems would be fixed. The government is in bed with them, People in DP are the boogey men to distract from that. Personally I blame the boomer racists that ruined the world and pulled the ladder up behind themselves . Them and the church. So the DP residents maybe told a few fibs? so ? , there here, they smuggled in fair and square. let them work and kick the chronic Irish doleys out. One to one swap.

        2. Mickey Twopints

          I’m undecided whether or not you are being intentionally obtuse.

          Knowing the country of origin, or the conflict that the lady in question fled from is information required by the immigration system. No doubt that information forms a central part of their decision making process.

          Anonymous contributors to Broadsheet speculating on the merits or otherwise of an individual asylum seeker’s case has nothing whatever to do with due process.

          The persona posing this question has previous form.

          1. rotide

            Anonymous contributors to Broadsheet speculating on the merits or otherwise of an individual asylum seeker’s case has nothing whatever to do with due process.” claims well known local celebrity Mickey Twopints

          2. Mickey Twopints

            Ah rotide. To be called a celebrity by Broadsheet royalty such as yourself is really something. Thrilling, in fact.

            I wish I could make you understand how little it means to me.

  2. eoin

    Around 700 people of the 5,000 in direct provision have been granted asylum but can’t find any place to live because of the housing crisis, so they have to stay in DP for the time being. The government refuses to classify these 700 people as homeless when counting the homeless in emergency accommodation.

  3. missred

    “Mosney owner Phelim McCloskey tells women protesting their conditions in Direct Provision “this will have an impact on you”.

    So he is planning on punishing the residents for daring to speak out on being treated abominably. Horrible man.

      1. Clampers Outside!

        I thought that same, and laughed…then scolded myself for doing so… :/ I’m sure it’s negative impact he intends.

        1. ReproBertie

          I meant maybe when he said the protest would impact on them he meant a positive impact because highlighting the shortfalls would result in action and improvement.

          Such an outcome is highly unlikely of course.

    1. realPolithicks

      Of course you won’t hear a peep from any government officials regarding this threat.

  4. Zaccone

    This is a bit like a houseguest arriving in your house and complaining the guest bedroom is too small, and the breakfast is too cold.

    Could the government not offer them flights back to their home countries if they don’t like what they’re getting here?

    1. ReproBertie

      It’s nothing like that really but let us imagine for a second you had a houseguest who felt comfortable enough to point out that their breakfast was cold. Would you kick them out or heat it up for them?

      1. millie st murderlark

        “Sorry, can I use your microwave? My Ready Brek needs heating up…”

        “GET OUT HOW VERY DARE YOU THE OUTRAGE WHERE IS MY HAT?”

    2. realPolithicks

      People like you are the reason that situations like this are allowed to continue, your callous indifference to the plight of these people is remarkable.

  5. phil

    Some of the comments above, made me feel sad , and I’m usually supportive of Irish people ….

    1. Andrew

      Thanks for your support of Irish people in the past phil. It means so much to us. Why did you think we needed it and how did that ‘support’ manifest itself? Did you send us money?

    2. Janet, I ate my avatar

      Phil you just have to look at Irish history and what the will happily do to their “own” never mind people they perceive as other,
      they aren’t the happy go lucky, friendly great bunch of lads they spin on the propeganda machine to tourists, mores the pity

      1. Andrew

        Yes janet,. sweeping generalizations and the realisation that Irish people are no different from any other nationality is definitely insightful.
        The tourism industry advertises to sell their product. Is that the fault of the Irish people. In my opinion tourism is killing our capital city and is environmentally toxic.
        I love when people use the term ‘other’ it is revealing.

        1. Janet, I ate my avatar

          I said perceive as other,
          and not every other nation tries to brand it’s people as a selling point ( probably because they have looked after their physical heritage….) and don’t have to resort to fairy tales

  6. darren

    Does anyone know why so much of the commentary following this letter is as ‘other’ fixated as it sounds? I’m sure most people enjoy appreciating the ‘other’ in whatever way, maybe as a cultural aspect, music or something characteristically charmful. What doesn’t make as much sense is why this is how english speaking and most likely the local Irish see this letter’s online publication as a matter to be addressed in accordance with state policy. We as a people do not make policy, so we cannot really imagine to shift either how we are seen as ‘other’ by the visiting tourists, or, and this is much more relevant to the letter, how the ‘other’ will read us in our response to fellow human suffering and systemic hopelessness. This pattern of collateral worthiness is no different to that which has long been embedded in how we view our own less fortunate citizens as much the success of our perceived betters. It is not a question of ‘other’. It is simply a matter of how we view ourselves. Treatment of others is the mark of that standard.

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