REFUGEES seeking asylum in Ireland should he treated with compassion and respect, according to the Labour TD, Mr Joe Costello.
He criticised the Department of Justice for its handling of the recent case of two Ukrainian woman and their children who had unsuccessfully sought asylum after arriving at Shannon Airport.
"Historically, Irish people have a deep understanding and appreciation of the needs of refugees," said Mr Costello. He also called for a code of practice to be introduced for all officials dealing with refugees.
"The recently introduced Refugee Act is an expression of the Irish people's demand for a humane approach towards the plight of refugees," he said.