State must pay damages to two asylum seekers

The State has been ordered to pay €9,500 and €6,000 to two asylum seekers who became homeless upon arriving in Ireland three years ago. High Court Judge Cian Ferriter stated this compensation addresses the State's failure to fulfill its duties. The Afghan and Indian applicants were given minimal support, including Dunnes Stores vouchers, while they were homeless for 71 and 63 days respectively.

Judge Ferriter emphasized the impacts of their experiences, stating the Afghan man faced “humiliating and distressing” circumstances. This ruling could influence around 50 similar claims from others left without accommodation during a surge of asylum seekers, particularly amidst the ongoing influx from Ukraine.