Reaction
Ali Bracken
Opposition political parties and a coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have criticised the Department of Justice for rejecting proposals brokered by the Church of Ireland to end the hunger strike by Afghans.
However, all groups welcomed Saturday's peaceful conclusion to the week-long protest, and praised gardaí and the Church of Ireland for their handling of the affair.
Political parties have also called for a review of the asylum process in Ireland, and greater transparency within the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
"We should use this opportunity to look at how this situation arose, and examine the background to the refugee process," said Michael D Higgins, president of the Labour Party.
He criticised how the Department of Justice handled the protesters. "The attitude of the Department of Justice is that the law has been vindicated. But has justice been served? I think criminal charges could have been avoided."
Green Party spokesman on justice Ciaran Cuffe said he was "disappointed the Department of Justice seemed to rebuff the church's offer of negotiations. The workings of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal need to be changed to give greater transparency and consistency."
However, Fine Gael spokesman on justice Jim O'Keeffe supported the manner in which the Department of Justice handled the situation. "They were right to hold their line. There weren't any alternatives."
Mr O'Keeffe also supported an overhaul of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Aki Stavrou, director of Integrating Ireland, said yesterday that the Afghan asylum seekers acted courageously through their action.
"It is a matter of deep concern that proposals brokered by the Church of Ireland on Friday night that were put to the men were later repudiated by the Department of Justice.
"We understand that the emerging agreement had been achieved through negotiations with Government officials and was only withdrawn at the final stages."
Rosanna Flynn, of Residents Against Racism, said rejecting the Church of Ireland's offer of negotiation "was an irresponsible act".
"It suggests a confrontational intent on the part of the Department of Justice. Here was a unique opportunity to craft an honourable and dignified solution."