Residents at a direct provision centre in Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry have gone on hunger strike.
32 of the people living at the former Skellig Star Hotel started their protest this morning.
They are criticising the unacceptable standards of accommodation and want to be moved.
Solidarity with asylum seekers who resolved to go on a hunger strike. They have, on numerous occasions, raised their concerns with @DeptJusticeIRL and they are ignored. There is nothing in the town for them. pic.twitter.com/UHZJffLVAo
— MASI - Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (@masi_asylum) July 28, 2020
Earlier this year there were more than 20 confirmed cases of Covid-19 at the centre.
A man, who would prefer not to be named, says the government can stop this.
He believes "We need a transfer immediately. Once it is given we will stop this hunger strike. That's in their hands."
The Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland group says the residents have raised their concerns with the Department of Justice on numerous occasions.
Officials at the DOJ visited the centre today to see the situation first-hand and to hear the concerns of residents directly.
In a statement, they say they sampled the food on offer to residents to satisfy themselves as to the standard of food on offer.
They say they are concerned that any resident would put their health in danger by refusing food.
