Press Releases
ASYLUM SEEKERS TO BE TRANSFERRED
The Church of Ireland Primate, Archbishop Robin Eames, has questioned the Government on the issue of asylum seekers in Northern Ireland. In a series of questions tabled in the House of Lords the Archbishop has asked about the suitability of detention of those seeking asylum in the United Kingdom in HMP Maghaberry.
Replying on behalf of the Government Lord Rooker, the Home Office Minister, has admitted that prison detention at Maghaberry for asylum seekers ‘is not ideal’. The Government has now instituted a policy of transferring persons detained in Northern Ireland to immigration removal centres on the mainland unless a specific request is made to stay in Northern Ireland. The Government has no plans to establish a dedicated immigration detention centre in Northern Ireland.
Archbishop Eames has pressed the Government on the unsuitability of detaining asylum seekers in a prison atmosphere. A spokesman for the Primate said today that he was encouraged by the latest Government moves.
Further information from:
THE CHURCH OF IRELAND PRESS OFFICE
Church of Ireland House
61 - 67 Donegall Street
Belfast BT1 2QH
Tel: (028) 9023 2909
Fax: (028) 9032 3554
Email:The Press Office