SIGNS OF HOPE FOR LONG TERM ASYLUM SEEKERS
The Department of  Jusice  will conduct a major review during August to go through cases over 5 years old with an emphasis on people in  Direct Provision Accommodation Centres.  This is with a view to granting leave to remain.  The Direct Provision System has come under a considerable amount of criticism and public attention in recent times with a focus on the negative effects it has on the wellbeing of long term residents and also the high cost of the system.  This initiative is then one that will not only be welcomed by asylum seekers but also by Church and NGO groups that have for many years advocated for both a reform of the asylum system and for speedier decisions on asylum applications.

 INNOVATIVE TRAINING PROGRAMME AT COIS TINE
An idea first discussed more than a year ago is finally bearing fruit at Cois Tine. Conversations with members of the Somali Community regarding the barriers to integration identified a number of issues.  Among them was the need for reconciliation within their own community. It was felt that the best manner in trying to deal with this would be within the in the context of a wider training course, not only for Somalis, which would also meet some of their other needs i.e. information re employment, Irish politics etc.  

A THIRD IN ASYLUM CENTRES ARE CHILDREN
02 Aug. 2010, Irish Examiner:  One third of people now living in state-run centres for asylum seekers are children – many of whom have been born into the system, figures from the Reception and Integration Agency have revealed.  Read more.