Irish Independent attacks immigrants in nasty screed

national | rights, freedoms and repression | other press Friday September 03, 2004 00:45 by William Martin Murphy

Tom Brady, "security editor"

Titled "Biting The Hand That Feeds Them" the so-called "security editor" of the Irish Independent turned his hand from retyping Garda press-releases to fanning the flames of hysteria against immigrants. His story is posted below.

Biting the hand that feeds them

Asylum seekers protest about food on wide-ranging international menu

EGGS and cheese for breakfast. Mexican beef and red chillies for lunch. Cod with sundried tomato for dinner.

That's a typical menu for 300 asylum seekers who are accommodated in a special government centre at Knockalisheen, Co Clare.

But the residents are not happy with the daily fare, which includes a choice of three dishes at every meal time. They are said to want deep-fat fryers in their rooms and new microwave ovens in the kitchen.

However, the requests have been turned down by the authorities. The residents were told that the provision of deep-fat fryers in each room could create safety problems for them and, in particular, for their children.

Officials are also concerned at the number of microwaves they say have been destroyed through misuse in recent months. They say some of the microwaves were turned on for lengthy periods while empty and eventually exploded.

Some residents also attempted to cook eggs in the ovens, with disastrous results.

The failure of the authorities to meet their demands resulted in protest action involving up to 50 asylum seekers outside the entrance to the centre yesterday morning. Gardai were called when staff were prevented from going to work by a picket mounted by the protesters. After garda intervention, eight protesters were interviewed and the action was called off.

Apart from three meals a day, residents also have snacks available under the direct provision system which was introduced after previous arrangements - under which cash was handed to asylum seekers to fund their own accommodation and food - were found to have been seriously abused.

Each resident is also given €19 a week for personal purchases, while families can claim children's allowances.

The menu changes daily and operates on a four-week cycle. It is drawn up by outside caterers in consultation with the asylum authorities.

Typical offerings for lunch include Asian sweet and sour pork, American-style hot dogs, beef lasagne, seafood creole and Mexican beef pancakes, while vegetarians are catered for with tuna and cheese melt and vegetable gratin.

Dinner choices include roast lamb, braised beef steak, spiced pork casserole, chicken fillets and fish goujons while vegetable stir fry and broccoli and cheese quiche are also available.

Tom Brady
Security Editor