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As many as 42,000 unstamped NZ Slim cigarettes were found in mannequins in Cork in September. Revenue

Revenue seized 68 MILLION cigarettes in 2015 - some from very unusual places

A lot of drugs were seized too.

REVENUE HAD A busy year in 2015 – seizing 68 million cigarettes and 2,364kg of tobacco to the value of €35.5 million.

Some of the cigarettes were found in unusual places – like mannequins and hot tubs.

The organisation also seized 1,377 kilograms of drugs with an estimated value of €23.1 million.

Niall Cody, chair of the Revenue Commissioners, said 2015 was “a positive year with over €45.6 billion collected for the exchequer”, something that “reflects the continuing strong levels of voluntary compliance by our customers”.

“We have a 99% timely filing and payment compliance rate by the largest businesses and a 97% timely compliance rate for medium-sized businesses.”

In 2015, Revenue conducted over 461,000 audits and compliance interventions with a yield of €642.5 million. The organisation obtained 27 convictions for serious evasion and fraud, as well as 2,063 summary convictions for non-filing and other tax and customs related cases.

Smuggling

Retailers Against Smuggling welcomed today’s figures, but noted a growth in the amounts seized.

RAS chair Benny Gilsenan said:

It is good news that Revenue continue to tackle cigarette smuggling but the unjustifiable 50 cent increase on a packet of cigarettes seen in the last budget only makes Ireland a more attractive destination for smuggling which not only hurts the exchequer but also hurts small business.

“We call once again on this government to introduce attachment orders to convictions as the absence of these only serves to incentivise criminals who essentially evade payment of related fines.”

Read: €350,000 worth of cigarettes seized in hot tubs

Read: Arsenic and lead found in high-end counterfeit make-up destined for Ireland

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A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

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18 Comments
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    Mute Patrick Linehan
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:03 PM

    I’m sorry but after paying my mortgage, taxes, school uniforms, ‘voluntary school fees’, bills, household running costs, etc if I had €20 left for myself every week, I’d be happy. In fact if I had it every week, I’d be ecstatic!!

    335
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    Mute Jack Eagle
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:25 PM

    Same here Patrick! After mortgage, utilities, food I’m left with €16 at the end of the month. That €16 goes into an account to provide for my kids clothes, uniforms, shoes etc… Now with the introduction of water charges I expect that €16 will be wiped out. I’d love to have a roof over my head, food on the table, not to worry how I am going to meet the next electric/gas and now water bill – hope my 2001 mazda will keep running till I can afford to get it serviced. These feckers have it all handed to them plus a small personal allowance at the hospitality of us, the suffering tax payer, my view is don’t like it, lump it and leave!

    265
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    Mute Jack Eagle
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    Sep 19th 2014, 5:18 PM

    PP, where did I once blame someone for my financial difficulties?

    As for living beyond my means, yes it is looking like that, however, if you took a 70% plus cut in your income you would find that you are living beyond your means too.

    150
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    Mute Dan public
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    Sep 19th 2014, 7:17 PM

    Most people in Ireland are left with €8.76 per week after paying there bills and that’s a fact. Sick of them and there free legal aid. Off you go home please and protest there

    98
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    Mute Galwaybay
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    Sep 19th 2014, 3:59 PM

    Ireland is a island sitting in the middle of the Atlantic ocean. Therefore how was Ireland their first point of entry into the EU. Under international law they should seek assilium in the first country they enter. That is of course if they’re are looking for assilium and not just look to live off the irish tax payer.

    333
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    Mute Patrick Linehan
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:06 PM

    The people in the centres for a number of years, are still there because their requests were refused and they’ve appealed them numerous times.
    If they’re really unhappy, hire a 747 and dispatch them back to whence they came.

    327
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    Mute Eoin Finnegan
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    Sep 19th 2014, 5:05 PM

    That is true of a small number of cases. The majority of cases are held up by the fact that there is just one high court judge who deals with all DP cases. There are 1000 cases in line and these, at the current rate will take 10 years to clear, if no new cases come in, which obviously is not going to happen. It is also not a first come first served system, some cases are given priority over others.

    49
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    Mute Ahippo
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    Sep 19th 2014, 5:46 PM

    I don’t know why people are red thumbing Eoin. These are the facts. And it is administrative incompetence. When DP centres were opened they were intended as a short term stop gap measure which had the benefit of putting a few shekels in the pockets of some FF cronies – then it became a scheme to transfer millions to them. It is a disgrace.

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    Mute Eoin Finnegan
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    Sep 19th 2014, 7:02 PM

    Agreed Ahippo, it amazes me that people are so negative towards the asylum seekers when the whole issue is state caused. People have a right to apply for asylum anywhere regardless of where they came from, even other EU countries (unless they have previously been refused entry).
    The issues like where they came from, have they criminal records, what are they here for are irrelevant as they are all covered by the asylum seeking process.
    If they have been convicted with a sentence of longer than 12 months they are rejected, if they have applied elsewhere, they are rejected, if they don’t deserve to be here, they are rejected.
    The acceptance rate is around 8% so we are taking in a lot less than other countries. The problem is that the process takes so long because of lack of resources not because appeal after appeal.
    From what I hear, the main issue for asylum seekers is the length of time they are left in limbo.

    24
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    Mute Mark Hannon
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    Sep 19th 2014, 3:58 PM

    I could be wrong here but where these Asylum Seekers are currently residing seems like a far better option to the hell-holes they stated they were fleeing from! Doesn’t appear to be too much evidence of religious and political persecution found in these centres! Also worth noting that Ireland is in no way land linked or easy access for these refugees to get to from their country of origin. Is it not a case that you’re meant to seek asylum at the first safe country you manage to get to!! Spain, Italy, France & UK mainland must have been horrific for these people to have trudged on to get to the safe haven that they thought Ireland was meant to be!! And now they’re raging their in direct provision centres while their asylum applications are being processed!! Hard times!!

    323
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    Mute finbarr ocormac
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:49 PM

    A O Riordain is some excuse for a politican…

    115
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    Mute noel bailey
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:53 PM

    Fully agree, trying to make a name for himself at the expense of the Irish people,it’s obvious what these people are looking for because they know we are a nation of fools,

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    Mute Original Cynic
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    Sep 19th 2014, 5:21 PM

    Ten years is a long, long time. In a certain number of cases the original conditions at home that caused them to flee for their lives must have changed or no longer exist.

    97
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    Mute Diarmuid Lenihan
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    Sep 19th 2014, 3:56 PM

    If they don’t like it then why don’t they just go home ? If I arrived over to say, Turkey penniless and they gave me 3 meals a day and a roof over my head and €20 a week and I didn’t like it that’s what I’d do.

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    Mute Jack Delaney
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    Sep 19th 2014, 3:59 PM

    I couldn’t agree more Diarmuid

    211
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    Mute cathal
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:12 PM

    Surely these people should be offered the opportunity to return home, if they are in anyway unhappy with Ireland and the laws of this country.

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    Mute John B
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:27 PM

    I think the guy holding the poster “fast fair asylum system” actually has it right. These protesters do have a point. 2 weeks after arriving in Ireland, they should be either queueing up to get on a plane back to where they came from, or given full asylum. There should be legislation for this process without resort to the courts. Any asylum seeker who has children with English accents, similarly should put back on their plane. In addition, it should be a requirement for all asylum seekers to provide evidence of how they got here, ie plane ticket and valid passport. Thus the airlines could be fined and also made responsible for repatriating failed cases. By reducing the number of bogus claims, there would be more funding for genuine asylum seekers to receive better conditions, and no doubt much better support and public perception.

    224
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    Mute noel bailey
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:09 PM

    This is all about getting full dole and a free house,at the Irish tax payers expense,if their is any spare money in the kitty give the Irish people a break by scrapping water tax and property tax.

    211
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    Mute bandido
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:17 PM

    The black gentleman in the main picture has a sign saying “Stop racism”.
    That would lead to me believe that there are white asylum seekers treated more favourably than him?

    198
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    Mute Winston Teardrops
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:53 PM

    Or maybe he believes that the proportion of melanin in his skin, in comparison to that of the average native, allows him to bypass the sovereignty of the country on whose doorstep he has just turned up without plausible explanation and be bestowed with higher quality free food and free board than that which those natives have offered him to date. Either way …

    165
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    Mute Klark Quent
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    Sep 19th 2014, 5:19 PM

    The problem is that a lot of those who are in DP do not satisfy the conditions to be granted asylum and due to the mass influx of people seeking asylum it took many years to get through all the cases…. The next issue was when it was decided a person did not meet the criteria it was time to deport however many fought and challenged decisions with free legal aid and spent years doing through the courts after 5 years the department of justice couldn’t deport these people and gave them “temporary” permission to remain. This ” temporary” permission was in fact long term as even people who have broken the law while on temp. permission to remain are never deported because the Dept of Justice doesn’t have a clue what they are doing

    133
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    Mute E=MC2
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    Sep 19th 2014, 5:04 PM

    PROVIDE the lot of them with tickets DIRECTLY to their home country

    113
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    Mute Ryan Carroll
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:14 PM

    You know reading that entire thing all I see is vague pleas for ”action”, they have not a specific goal anywhere, whoever is running their media strategy is a total moron.
    I’ve read six of these stories and I still don’t know what their specific demands are!

    97
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    Mute Silent Majority
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:23 PM

    Or maybe “we want a free gaff, our bills paid & free dosh for life” is hard to frame in a media friendly way. Being vague can be good when being honest would have you told where to go.

    134
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    Mute Roisin O'Connell Hayes
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    Sep 19th 2014, 6:26 PM

    I agree with the comment that we are an island with no direct flights from Africa for example so why did they come here.they are suppose to seek asylum in the first safe country. A tough stance is needed Now. As the economy makes a recovery we will see an increase in “asylum seekers”

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    Mute Martin Smith
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    Sep 19th 2014, 6:29 PM

    So if a number of judges are appointed to review these cases can we expect them to leave and return home to whence they came if they are refused asylum.Or will they have an ambulance chasing lawyer appeal the judgement..It never ceases to amaze me how these representative bodies pop up and get plenty of media time and can get a minister to hear their complaints yet the homeless here are left to live on the streets without the luxury of free bed,food and money and no bills no tax etc to pay.At the end of the day they should have been deported full stop as we are an island nation without a direct flight to any of those countries they were born in.What they are telling us and the immigration reps are saying is they have rights to jobs,free 3rd level education,a house and next will be their family members who posibble are claiming refugee staus in other countries must be allowed come and join them here.Its time polticians started to call a spade a spade these individuals are here illegally and by rights should be deported back to the country they arrived from and tell the likes of the immigrations rieps to fk off or better still let them reside with them and their supporters and as each case comes up and if they are not granted asylum they are thrown onto a plane immediatley and not allowed any appeal.You want to appeal you can appeal from your home country.If i arrive in Austrailia and immigration think i am goin to work or cannot support myself then i am denied entrance and get barred for 3 years from entering austrailia…..if i have any criminal record at all i am not going to gain acess to the us.I am waiting for the bleeding hearts to ask for an anmesty for those who are in these centres and we start afresh and thats what this govt will do.

    82
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    Mute Joan Murphy
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    Sep 19th 2014, 5:01 PM

    I do think a decision should be made within months , give them one appeal only and if it fails then send them home straight away . the whole process should take a few weeks at the most !. This ten years business is nuts , it is not fair on the children who have settled into schools and a different way of life .

    80
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    Mute Edward Smith
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    Sep 19th 2014, 7:00 PM

    Me tired of direct provision, me want dole free house and free car. Me lub island.

    77
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    Mute Dara O'Brien
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    Sep 19th 2014, 7:06 PM

    You are a racist idiot.

    20
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    Mute Scipio
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    Sep 19th 2014, 7:41 PM

    Again with the baseless ‘wayyycist’ slurs. You’re a broken record.

    54
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    Mute Dara O'Brien
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    Sep 19th 2014, 7:53 PM

    Thought you’d be around Scipio. ‘Baseless’ – I don’t think so, DP centres are full with people from non irish ethnic backgrounds, comment section is full of ‘send em home’ ‘spongers’ ‘they’re all after the dole’ ‘they walk around like they own the place’

    Doesn’t seem baseless to me

    8
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    Mute Edward Smith
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    Sep 19th 2014, 8:42 PM

    @daraobrien.
    Are you saying they’re all genuine? Heres a name for you: Pamela Izevbekhai.

    48
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    Mute Dara O'Brien
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    Sep 19th 2014, 8:51 PM

    Edward, nope, said nothing of the sort, I’m sure that there are a fair few economic migrants – what’s your point?

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    Mute Edward Smith
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    Sep 19th 2014, 9:07 PM

    @daraobrien
    Under the terms of the Dublin Regulation they are ALL bogus, as they have passed through other safe countries to get here.

    40
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    Mute Dara O'Brien
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    Sep 19th 2014, 9:12 PM

    The Dublin regulation doesn’t state that with any degree of certainty, there are various qualifications to that which you’d know if you read it.

    4
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    Mute Edward Smith
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    Sep 19th 2014, 9:44 PM

    @daraobrien
    Go ahead then, enlighten me on the “qualifications”.

    27
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    Mute Dara O'Brien
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    Sep 19th 2014, 9:48 PM

    Family members, countries which may have granted you a visa at any stage in the past there are others too.

    Like I said, read it and then you’ll have no bothers quoting it.

    5
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    Mute Eoin Finnegan
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    Sep 19th 2014, 9:56 PM

    Wrong Edward, as Dara said. You can read the full document here.
    eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/;ELX_SESSIONID=qSVpJcVGmxqz97dctJFXJVWd1GQxCL2Gk2NBNYbSqLDhtQDJgBGX!421217803?uri=CELEX:32003R0343
    There are many exceptions to and qualifications for that being applied.

    5
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    Mute Edward Smith
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    Sep 19th 2014, 10:57 PM

    @daraobrien
    What is your solution then? Let them all in, and turn Ireland into Haiti?

    29
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    Mute Joan Murphy
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    Sep 19th 2014, 11:00 PM

    She made a fool of all those do gooders out there !

    27
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    Mute Edward Smith
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    Sep 19th 2014, 11:05 PM

    @joanmurphy
    She also left a legal bill of €960,000.

    29
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    Mute Joan Murphy
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    Sep 19th 2014, 11:12 PM

    Edward , I know and the do gooders in this country are still being fooled to this day , one appeal and then the first flight back home .. End of !

    26
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    Mute Edward Smith
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    Sep 19th 2014, 11:14 PM

    @pontiuspilatus
    What’s it like up there on the high moral ground? Sure we’re only eijits, thanks for deigning to read our comments.

    17
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    Mute Eoin Finnegan
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    Sep 20th 2014, 1:33 AM

    Edward, are you really trying to make a point about thousands of people by using one example?
    The idea that there is loads of refugees here is wrong, less than 4500 in DP.
    The idea that most of them are still here because of repeated appeals is wrong, roughly 900 people are waiting on appeals, only a fifth of the total.
    Nobody is suggesting we open the doors en masse, just that people’s cases are heard in reasonable time.
    The idea that we are a soft touch is wrong, approx 8% of refugees to Ireland get to stay here.
    The idea that the number of refugees coming in is a massive expense to us is wrong, the length of time they are in DP because of the wait on court is why we are spending so much on them, Ireland’s fault, not theirs.
    The solution, as had been said a couple of times on this and other articles, is to put more resources into hearing the cases. One judge will never get to the end of the cases, increase the number dealing with cases and the number in DP will go down.
    In response to PPs point, I appreciate that advice however, I think when people are confronted with the facts of a situation they either don’t respond or change their mind, so I’ll keep responding for a while.

    4
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    Mute Dara O'Brien
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    Sep 20th 2014, 8:43 AM

    That’s how the logic works – cling to a half truth (first country crap) rely on the fact that no one had read the legislation.

    Throw in a proven case of a scam (to add a veneer of legitimacy)

    Make a few populist comments designed to increase mistrust and jealously (me want dole, me want free house, me beat my wife)

    Then sit back – whatever you do though, don’t look at the facts and figures – NEVER EVER EVER (because they might not back up your invented version of events)

    2
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    Mute Edward Smith
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    Sep 20th 2014, 9:20 AM

    @dara and eoin
    Can either of you explain to me why so many of them after becoming Irish citizens, so many of them go on holiday to Nigeria?
    The 4500 figure only refers to the people in DP right now. There are at the very least 18,000 Nigerians living here, these Nigerians in 2011 sent home €468,000,000 to their country, according to World Bank figures. That’s an average of more than €26,000 for each of the 17,642 Nigerian nationals in Ireland, including children.

    - See more at: http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/nigerians-send-nearly-500m-a-year-home-from-ireland-29278045.html#sthash.QDjVZ2gN.dpuf

    14
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    Mute Dara O'Brien
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    Sep 20th 2014, 10:13 AM

    Hmm … difficult one that … why do Nigerian people go on holiday to Nigeria ???? Hmm …. seriously, what kind of a stupid question is that?

    Unless of course, you’re going to present proof that all of the 18,000 are/were claiming asylum? As for the money, have you any idea of the amount that the irish sent home from around the world throughout the years?

    Are there crooked Nigerian’s in the country? – Damn right there are. Does that give you the right to label every asylum seeker a scammer and dole sponger who should be refused entry and sent home or be grateful of being put up in thoroughly inhumane conditions – in my view, no, it doesn’t.

    I hope that you never find yourself in the position that you’re wishing on others.

    2
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    Mute LastMan Standing
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    Sep 20th 2014, 11:25 AM

    but that’s what they do

    2
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    Mute LastMan Standing
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    Sep 20th 2014, 11:36 AM

    I’ve been working with Nigerians for almost 10 years … but have never seen a Nigerian working … STRANGE.

    12
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    Mute Eoin Finnegan
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    Sep 20th 2014, 1:53 PM

    Edward, you do know that not every foreign person in Ireland has come in through asylum, right? There are other ways of coming in such as legitimate work visas, studying etc.
    Bearing this in mind, I’d imagine some Nigerians go on holiday to as a holiday…
    Also, quoting an Indo article from a year and a half ago about figures for 3 years ago seems a bit odd. Read the full article, it was being looked at by authorities for an explanation. As there are so many people who would love to see Nigerians linked to crime etc, I would imagine anything untoward would have been front page news at some stage, but I can’t find any follow up to this, 18 months later…
    The same article quotes that Irish emigrants sent over 500 million home.
    One possible explanation for that figure in 2011 would be that the Irish-Nigerian business association was established in DUN-DUN-DUN -2010. Great story for the Indo though, people are still linking to it a year and a half later!!!

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    Mute Eoin Finnegan
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    Sep 20th 2014, 1:56 PM

    And last man standing, you say above you have never seen a Nigerian working but as you say further up, you work in a DP centre so of course they aren’t working. Good to hear they all obey the rules there though. Do you mind if I quote you to others who say they all work illegally?

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    Mute LastMan Standing
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    Sep 20th 2014, 2:59 PM

    I also see many of them later, after they got their status and right to work. Still no-one working, but all of them getting all the social supplements and benefits like rent allowance etc.

    5
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    Mute Raw Power
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    Sep 19th 2014, 6:51 PM

    I have worked in DP for a few years – got this info on what the asylum seekers requests are besides speeding up the application process which I thoroughly agree with, should be a case of 12 months yes welcome to Ireland or no our apologies but your case has been refused and return to country of origin.
    Here is list of demands -
    Ethnic foods to be me more diverse
    No variety of school lunches for kids
    8 week menu cycle is not enough
    Size of bus is to small (free I might add) to and from city, additional trips are to be added to schedule especially in a Friday
    There is no school bus for kids
    No zebra crossing at bull mccabes pub
    3 people to a room is not healthy
    Water pressure is not strong enough
    Single duvet covers are given for double beds
    Cleaning of toilets is not done regularly enough
    Cctv in common areas is invading our human rights
    Inactivity of residents causes sickness and stress
    People not allowed to work
    Not allowed to enrol for free 3rd level education
    Limited facilities for kids
    People idle all day
    No sky sports, limited Internet access, no tea/coffee facilities in our tv room
    Residents want management removed
    End direct provision
    Stop deportation
    Allow people to work

    These are main points in agenda of concerns of asylum seekers in kinsale road

    Draw your own conclusions.

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    Mute Mike Cantwell
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    Sep 19th 2014, 7:09 PM

    If O Riordain has his way they will all be settled in houses , free health care , free education , Jobseekers , single parents allowance etc by Christmas , those of ye who support this take out your wallet and pay for it , the rest of us are fed up being taken for a ride , there are more than enough successful ex asylum seekers enjoying a free lunch courtesy of the tax payer, its way past time we called a halt to this racket

    68
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    Mute Eoin Finnegan
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    Sep 19th 2014, 7:44 PM

    Where did you get the list? There isn’t any consistency to it. Some of them are common sense issues, some seem a little petty then the 3 big ones at the end if granted would get rid of the need for the other reforms.

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    Mute LastMan Standing
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    Sep 20th 2014, 11:23 AM

    I work there. This list is pretty much right.

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    Mute rat race
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    Sep 19th 2014, 8:33 PM

    Lovely school uniforms on the kids, I can’t afford them for my kids. Now where’s my marker and cardboard

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    Mute Edward Smith
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    Sep 19th 2014, 8:43 PM

    @ratrace
    Sorry, no Irish need apply.

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    Mute cosmological
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    Sep 19th 2014, 3:52 PM

    Direct provision – a euphemism for inaction.

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    Mute Dara O'Brien
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:17 PM

    Well despite all the inhumane bigotry posted above, it looks like the minister will change the system – because it’s the right thing to do.

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    Mute Ryan Carroll
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:26 PM

    Would you be able to tell us what they want? Because they don’t seem to want to enlighten us? I’m honestly confused, I can’t tell if I support them or not because they won’t outline what specific things they want to change

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    Mute Alan O'connor
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:26 PM

    Hear, hear Darragh. A topic that always brings out the racists and/or totally uninformed.

    And the people who have no idea how lucky they are of course.

    Some of the comments above are a disgrace to humanity.

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    Mute John B
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:34 PM

    A disgrace to humanity? Are you for real? How on earth is getting dully taken care of having fled a terribly country a disgrace to humanity?

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    Mute Dara O'Brien
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:37 PM

    The comments John, the comments

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    Mute Dara O'Brien
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:39 PM

    @ Ryan – i’d imagine they are looking for better living conditions, maybe to be allowed work or study – that kind of thing.

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    Mute Alan O'connor
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:53 PM

    Thanks Dara. Most people don’t even read the articles/comments before becoming outrageously outraged.

    The people want a quick decision. Let them stay or deport them. Either way they move on with their lives.

    Not too hard to understand that now, is it?

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    Mute bandido
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    Sep 19th 2014, 5:21 PM

    Would you mind explaining why you felt the need to use the word racist Alan?
    I haven’t seen any reference to skin colour in any of these comments.
    There are quite a few along the lines of “go back to where they came from”, would that be racist if directed at a Caucasian Scandinavian person for example?
    Racism is treating somebody differently because of their skin colour, where is the racism in this story?

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    Mute Ahippo
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    Sep 19th 2014, 5:49 PM

    Actually bandido racism is treating someone differently because of their ethnicity. There are poles and lithuanians here who have had to cope with racism too.

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    Mute Dara O'Brien
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    Sep 19th 2014, 5:49 PM

    No it’s not bandido. Skin colour is only one way of determining race – buy a dictionary, look it up and come back.

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    Mute Ahippo
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    Sep 19th 2014, 5:55 PM

    Ryan. The main problems with the DP centres have been outlined in several reports but in summary they are poorly maintained open prisons, with inadequate privacy, poor safety for children and women and appalling food. They were supposed to be short term stop gap housing for asylum seekers who should have their cases dealt with within six months of claiming asylum. Mostly because of bureaucratic incompetence , including an utter failure on the part of Department of Justice officials to do their research, too many of them are in the system for far too long. It is easy to say if they dont like it let them leave but once in the system they have to go all the way through it. Easy to blame them, but the real blame belongs with Justice.

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    Mute DN
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    Sep 19th 2014, 6:04 PM

    Dara and Alan clearly have the blinkers on. Local media here in Cork have provided enough coverage on the mater, and as it turns out they’ve found that some, not all, leave the centre in the morning to attend jobs that they have taken illegally. Also there are claims of prostitution, and these claims werent denied by the people interviewed who are protesting. One guy even claimed he has a right to watch football so he should be given Sky?! I’d also like to watch football but i cant afford Sky! Where are my human rights? Down with this sort of thing!!

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    Mute bandido
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    Sep 19th 2014, 6:59 PM

    There is no mention of any ethnic group, nationality or religion in the article so how else did the word racism pop up here if not related to skin colour?

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    Mute Dara O'Brien
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    Sep 19th 2014, 7:07 PM

    You brought it up by talking about the sign the black man is holding up.

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    Mute Scipio
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    Sep 19th 2014, 7:50 PM

    According to Dara even being critical of Muslim female garb can be classed as racism. The guy is literally dripping in sanctimonious, holier than thou, P.C rightousness.

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    Mute Dara O'Brien
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    Sep 19th 2014, 8:11 PM

    Rubbish scipio, what’s racist is making derogatory statements about a group or groups of people based purely on their ethnicity. If you are doing this, it’s racist, if you’re not, then you’re not.

    It’s really not that complicated.

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    Mute John B
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    Sep 19th 2014, 8:19 PM

    Dara, how is referring to skin colour racist? I’m sure if he had a sign up with his country of origin we could refer to him as Irish/French/Nigerian/Saudi or whatever but in the absence of knowing, it is common to refer to the most obvious feature. The fact you even mentioned that illustrates the extent of PC ridiculousness we have in Ireland.

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    Mute Dara O'Brien
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    Sep 19th 2014, 8:40 PM

    John – you should try thinking some time. I never said that referring to ones skin colour is racist – you can read the comment above to see what I said is racist.

    In relation to bandido, I was referring to the fact that he was stating that racism only relates to skin colour and he asked how skin colour was brought into the debate. I simply pointed out that he raised the skin colour point.

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    Mute Maurice Slater
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    Sep 20th 2014, 11:42 AM

    Dara go away your a pain in the arse

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    Mute Utility Worker Perth
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    Sep 19th 2014, 10:14 PM

    Nothing teargas and plastic bullets would not sort out. @ Dara O Brien get a life u idiot. They are all bogus as Ireland was not their furst point if entry. Deport them all i say.

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    Mute Dara O'Brien
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    Sep 19th 2014, 10:17 PM

    Stay in Perth.

    Thanks.

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    Mute Edward Smith
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    Sep 19th 2014, 11:09 PM

    Good man Dara, tell an Irishman (I’m guessing) to stay away and welcome in all the foreign scammers.

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    Mute Dara O'Brien
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    Sep 20th 2014, 8:38 AM

    Unlike you, I’d rather judge people on their individual merits than their place of origin. Is rather have a decent foreigner next door than a bigoted irishman.

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    Mute Edward Smith
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    Sep 20th 2014, 9:22 AM

    @daraobrien
    Don’t forget the Irishman is living in his own country.

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    Mute Dara O'Brien
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    Sep 20th 2014, 10:03 AM

    doesn’t allow them to be bigoted – anyway, that irishman is living in Perth – hopefully, he’ll be shown the same welcome there that he is espousing here.

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    Mute LastMan Standing
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    Sep 20th 2014, 11:27 AM

    I know every single one of them. Can I judge them? No, and can’t get to work because they blocked the entrance. So soon I’ll be asking for the social.

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    Mute Joan Murphy
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    Sep 21st 2014, 12:48 PM

    Dara , why don’t you put all that energy you have into fighting for our homeless people who have literally nothing? I am sure they would be thrilled to have a bed and food and everything else provided for them instead of living on the streets in fear everyday ! Your priorities are all twisted …

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    Mute whynotme
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:36 PM

    Was Áine Ní Chonnail at these protests today ?

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    Mute Johnny Downes
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:25 PM

    What would our attitude be if our sons and daughters were treated like this in other countries? This is shameful, and echoes Magdalene laundries, and Mother and Baby home treatment.

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    Mute John B
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:37 PM

    Which part is shameful? Are they being made sleep in tents? Do the children not receive education? Are they not provided meals? I’m sorry but none of the protesters looked unhealthy at all. Which part is shameful?

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    Mute Joan Murphy
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:43 PM

    Johnny , I don’t think it is a fair comparison , these people are being well looked after , if they are true asylum seekers then they would be thrilled to feel safe , have their kids safe , food , bills , everything provided for , after all they are meant to have come from nothing ! You should not compare that to the horror and abuse that the children of the laundries went through .

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    Mute Silent Majority
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:45 PM

    When I was out of work & skint in Australia I slept rough on the beach. We get treated far worse than this lot in other countries, but we don’t expect to provided for in other countries so neither we nor our parents back home make a fuss about it.

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    Mute Dara O'Brien
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:48 PM

    But you were allowed to work in Australia – therefore your argument makes no sense at all.

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    Mute Silent Majority
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:54 PM

    So you reckon if I didn’t have a work visa they’d have given me a bed, three meals a day and pocket money? Really should have gone in illegally then shouldn’t I.

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    Mute Mick O Callaghan
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:54 PM

    I drove past them earlier. Some of them are even fat like.

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    Mute noel bailey
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    Sep 19th 2014, 4:58 PM

    He wasn’t given free accommodation or free meals or free pocket money and allowed to live bill free,so his argument dose make sense, and you need to wake up and take your head out of your backside , we irish are being taken for a ride big time

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    Mute DN
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    Sep 19th 2014, 6:10 PM

    To be allowed enter a country to work legally, you must therefore provide documentation that your skills are required by the country you are entering. ie, trades, degrees, doctorates. Which is why many Irish work and live in Australia.You see many doctors, nurses etc from Asia and Africa working here, obviously, as their skills are required here in this country, therefore they are given a visa to work. If you dont have the skills required you dont get access. Then you claim asylum.

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    Mute Edward Smith
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    Sep 19th 2014, 7:09 PM

    They walk around Athlone, like they own the place.

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    Mute Robert Loughran
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    Sep 19th 2014, 7:56 PM

    There’s a big difference between fat and just thick!

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    Mute nmartin
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    Sep 19th 2014, 8:22 PM

    There is a crowd of them ensconced in a hotel in Newbridge.

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    Mute Anthony Carroll
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    Sep 20th 2014, 12:29 AM

    Coincidentally, they’re located on the main road going to the airport…

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    Mute Utility Worker Perth
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    Sep 20th 2014, 11:57 AM

    @ dara o brien. Read the post I live in Ireland and in a nice suburb. Why? because I work and pay my taxes so that my fellow citizens can have doctors,hospital,police etc. The only people sleeping rough on out streets are non alyssum seekers why? because the scammers in DP get a place to live,meals,and spending money.

    Of course you constantly either ignore or cannot interpret law and the International convention regarding first point of entry. Your a sad person trolling here being a holy Joe. The sad part of your stupid comments is that these people have no right to be here and should all be deported, in fact they should be refused permission to land in the first instance.

    @ dara its sad to have to share an intellectual conversation withy you, what a waste of good time and energy. Your an embarrassment to civilised debate.

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    Mute Eoin Finnegan
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    Sep 19th 2014, 5:08 PM

    DP was a short term solution, designed to deal with a large influx over a short period of time. It’s now gone on over a decade, surely it’s time for a rethink?

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    Mute alpha_chaarlie
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    Sep 20th 2014, 2:08 AM

    The people on Manus Island would give their right arm to live in conditions like these folks.

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    Mute Maurice Slater
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    Sep 20th 2014, 12:32 PM

    as far as I see these people are well look after my the Irish people, we have housed clothed feed schooled, there is medical care available to all, in some case Irish people have walked over there own to facilitate there mounting needs, and never have I heard one public thank you from them,only demands, and it now seems that when all there appeals are finish they start making some noise about the conditions food ect,well I sorry but theirs nothing left to give, the Irish people have there own lives and problem to content with and asylum seekers have to accept that and move on, which unforgettably is deportation.
    which just leaves me to say to all the the the Asylum seekers that have exhausted there appeals.

    Beannacht agus dea-luck

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    Mute Danger Moose
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    Sep 20th 2014, 10:45 AM

    Fingerprint. Deport. Ban.

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    Mute Sugar Gemini
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    Sep 20th 2014, 11:52 AM

    Good info here on the process…

    http://touch.boards.ie/thread/2057293579/1/#post92274965

    Aodhan O Riordain has done a 360 on direct provision after he was given some facts he wasn’t privy to prior to his first set of comments.

    Zebra crossing on the Kinsale Road haha that’s like putting a zebra crossing on The Red Cow Roundabout….. can’t understand how Nasc says their Irish supporters are growing…. the Irish are on the verge of holding THEIR OWN protest!!! Soooo funny

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    Mute LastMan Standing
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    Sep 20th 2014, 11:55 AM

    NASC have to be on their side … at the end of the day some of them are sharing the duvet :)

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    Mute tractor1000
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    Sep 19th 2014, 8:48 PM

    They should keep them in the same conditions but offer them 10k and a flight home every year. The hangers on can be kept

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    Mute Tom Hurley
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    Sep 21st 2014, 3:40 PM

    has any one stopped to think of staff of these places they have been spat at kicked punched headbutted and have had female staff attacted while pregnant on more then one occation, these people come into this country with the atatude off i want give it to me i am entitled to it and i am not geting out off your face until i get it, i am one of theos members of staff, i do beleve that the system has to change ithas to be made faster more flexible i.e. one hearing one appeal yes or no, then stay or go, not all is as bad in the centers for them, they show what they want you to see, the apartments are keept clean and tidy the buildings are cleaned by the staff mabey this should be done by the residents as is done by our selfs in our own houses, plus some of what they asking for even we dont even get free 3rd level education for our own childern so why should they, every morning these residents go off out to work, yes work i could go on but my point is all is not so bad for them, and as a irish person you leave this country come back after 2 years or so and you are intitled to nothing even theo your birth cert and your passport is “EIRE” justice or not !!!!!!!!

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    Mute LastMan Standing
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    Sep 20th 2014, 1:48 PM

    http://imgur.com/a/FNfvT#6

    here you can see hoe bad the place actually is.

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    Mute Sugar Gemini
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    Sep 20th 2014, 12:00 PM

    EVERYONE WATCH FIRST TEN MINUTES…. MINISTER AODHAN O RIORDAIN SPEAKS….

    THAT IS ALL….

    http://www.tv3.ie/3player/mobile/41/84579/Tonight-with-Vincent-Browne

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    Mute Sugar Gemini
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    Sep 20th 2014, 8:30 PM

    “they have hit a wall” in other words they haven’t a leg to stand on so hold the Irish government to ransom…. I know an Independent TD who went up there and was told the negotiations yesterday’s sum total is: they want instant status, all deportations stopped oh and a house each…. I kid you not!

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    Mute LastMan Standing
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    Sep 20th 2014, 9:39 PM

    Great! I need a house too. Should I join them?

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    Mute LastMan Standing
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    Sep 20th 2014, 11:18 AM
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    Mute Adrian Aungier
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    Sep 19th 2014, 9:59 PM

    K

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