Sir, - Archbishop Walton Empey should be commended for his outspoken criticism of the Government's "abominable attitude" towards refugees and asylum-seekers (The Irish Times, April 5th). This niggardly approach is especially evident in its treatment of asylum-seekers. They suffer unnecessary psychological torment as they are left so long in limbo while their cases are investigated. Meanwhile, they are not allowed to work for their living, as they are willing to do, and are left helpless and dependent on State agencies for living expenses and accommodation. They are afraid of promoting the rights of asylum-seekers in case it prejudices their cases.
They are, as a result, isolated in Irish society. Some develop deep anxiety complexes which result in depression, an inability to sleep, and a fear to walk the streets in case they have to suffer further indignities such as racial assaults, slurs and taunts. The Lord Mayor of Dublin has already felt the brunt of these strong racist attitudes.
Our treatment of refugees and especially asylum-seekers at Government, institutional and social levels is indeed "abominable". If all candidates contesting the European and local government elections confront this issue, as the archbishop has, the Department of Justice might not be so quick to write off his considered judgment as "intemperate". - Yours, etc., Brendan Butler,
Swords, Co Dublin.