An anti-racism group has called for the asylum process to be taken out of the hands of politicians and civil servants.
The call came at a demonstration in support of the rights of asylum seekers that was held by Residents Against Racism today outside the Garda National Bureau (GNIB) of Immigration on Burgh Quay.
Residents Against Racism protesting on Burgh Quay, Dublin today. Photo: Aoife Carr.
Spokesperson Rosanna Flynn said the Minister for Justice and Law Reform Michael McDowell had exposed himself as being completely incapable of running his department over a wide range of issues.
"This comes as no surprise to Residents Against Racism or asylum seekers who have suffered the brunt of his incompetence," she said.
"We repeat our call for the asylum system to be taken out of Mr McDowell's hands and placed under a body such as the Human Rights Commission where the human rights of the asylum seekers will be protected," she added.
The group plans to hold another protest outside the Dáil when it returns next month.