One firm caters for 20% of all asylum seekers

ONE PRIVATE company accommodates over 20 per cent of the 6,850 asylum seekers located in 63 privately-run "direct provision" centres around Ireland.

According to figures provided by Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan, Westmeath-based Bridgestock Ltd accommodates 1,484 asylum seekers in eight centres in Mayo, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo and Westmeath.

In response to Dáil questions from Sinn Féin's Aengus Ó Snodaigh on the issue of "direct provision", Mr Lenihan said 96 different nationalities were now being catered for in accommodation centres in 22 counties.

The adults among the 6,850 asylum seekers receive a weekly allowance of €19.10, and children receive €9.60 along with full bed and board.

The latest accounts for Bridgestock Ltd show that the company increased its profits before tax by over 600 per cent to €683,000 on a turnover of €6.1 million.

The accounts to the end of June 2006 show that the company had accumulated profits of €998,000, and increased its workforce from 96 to 139. The company says its main activity consists of the provision of emergency residential accommodation and other services for the daily needs of asylum seekers. It lists its directors as Séamus Oliver Gillen and Kathleen Gillen.

Other companies which cater for large numbers in the "direct provision" system include East Coast Catering (Ireland) Ltd (809 asylum seekers), Mosney Irish Holiday plc (800), Millstreet Equestrian Services Ltd (565) and Campbell Catering (330).

According to the figures provided by Mr Lenihan, the largest number of asylum seekers in "direct provision" are in Dublin where there is capacity for 1,594, with Cork having capacity for 957.

Other counties with significant numbers of asylum seekers in "direct provision" include Meath (800), Galway (720), Mayo (498) and Waterford (416).