Nasc concerned about disruption to families with possible closure of Lisbrook House
Nasc was pleased to hear reports yesterday that the Minister of Justice Alan Shatter will be postponing the closure of Lisbrook House Accommodation Centre in Galway. Successful campaigning and lobbying by local politicians and the community on behalf of the residents of Lisbrook House has resulted in Minister Shatter announcing last night that he will delay the closure in order to review the case.
Nasc was concerned about the recent announcement that the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) would be closing Lisbrook House Accommodation Centre in Galway, as the abruptness of the announcement was certain to cause a severe disruption to the lives of the almost 300 families that have been living in Lisbrook House, some for four or more years.
CEO of Nasc, Fiona Finn states, “We are aware that as a result of a drop in the number of asylum seekers in the past year, some closures may be necessary. However we believe any future closures should be respectful of people’s lives, of families’ integration into their communities, and of children’s involvement in school and other activities. A failure to do so shows a profound disregard for the individuals and families living in Direct Provision.”
Nasc calls on the Minister of Justice to ensure that everything is done to accommodate the needs of families and children in this process. If the closure of Lisbrook House does indeed go ahead, families should be re-housed in accommodation nearby, so that any disruption experienced, particularly by children, is minimal.
Fiona Finn continues, “Closures may indeed be necessary but they can be done in a way that shows respect for the families that live in Direct Provision. Don’t wait until the last minute to inform families with children that they will be moving to another area of the country.”
As a member of the NGO Forum on Direct Provision, Nasc has campaigned for many years for the rights and welfare of asylum seekers living in Direct Provision. For more information about our campaign, visit our Direct Provision Campaign page.
