A Moldovan asylum-seeker claims he was imprisoned for three days after he was arrested in Cork harbour when he jumped from a ferry bound for France.
Mr Marin Tiron, aged 25, claims he escaped from the vessel after immigration authorities attempted to deport him within hours of his arrival, despite his repeated efforts to claim asylum.
Mr Tiron's claims have been rejected by local immigration sources. Garda sources confirmed that he was refused leave to land at Ringaskiddy, but insist he did not claim asylum until his third day in custody in Cork prison. "As soon as it was established that he was applying for asylum, his application was entertained," said an official source.
Mr Tiron, who does not speak English, was released from jail on the third day of his detention, and is currently in Dublin where his claim for asylum is being processed.
His brother is legally living in Dublin with his Moldovan wife and Irish-born child. Speaking through his brother at the Dublin offices of the Irish Refugee Council, Mr Tiron said he arrived by ferry in Ringaskiddy on Saturday, April 15th. He was not carrying a passport or other identification papers.
He says he tried unsuccessfully to claim asylum when he was met by immigration officers, but was put back on the ferry. After jumping, he was rescued by gardai and brought to hospital and then to Cork prison.
Mr Tiron's solicitor, Mr Eugene Corley, said he contacted the jail the following day and was told his client was going to be deported the following Saturday. After legal representations, Mr Tiron was released and brought to Anglesea Garda station where he made his asylum application, said Mr Corley, of Edmond W. Cogan in Cork.
A Garda Press Office spokesman said he could not comment.
Mr Tiron is currently staying in a Dublin hostel. He says he has been told he will be sent to Cork or Donegal. However, the Irish Refugee Council (IRC) plans to request that he be allowed stay in Dublin to be near his brother, who has asthma.