Sir, – Breda O'Brien ("Why those granted asylum can't afford to leave hostels", Opinion & Analysis, March 14th) is to be commended for once again drawing attention to the unacceptable conditions under which asylum seekers in Ireland live.
They may not be fellow citizens, but they are fellow human beings sharing our island – as many Irish people have had to do in other countries, depending on the kindness of strangers.
With a little creativity it must be possible, in this growing economy, to afford some possibility of paid employment without disrupting the labour market, and to allow affordable access to third-level education.
Now, in the year prior to the general election, is surely an ideal time for all the political parties to come up with new and inventive approaches and to consider how best to help these people grow – whether or not they do eventually become citizens. – Yours, etc,
MARTIN CLYNES,
Clontarf, Dublin 3.