REFUGEES housed at a reception centre say they feel they are being treated like “savages”, in Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon.

Families of five have to live in one room and are forced to make do with just a single set of bedding for their entire stay.

1 Abbeyfield Hotel in Ballaghderreen, Roscommon

They say the heating is turned off for long periods in winter and they miss hospital and dental appointments over a lack of transport.

The complaints came from Iraqi and Syrian residents at the Abbeyfield Hotel in Roscommon who have previously raised their problems with the Justice Department and the facility management.

A new letter to the Department reads: “We have missed our hospital appointments because of transport at the centre. We were left at the hospitals waiting for hours and hours.”

It also discusses hygiene issues with the food services, including dirty cutlery and dishes being used.

It adds: “The food, you just can’t eat it. No options for vegetarians, no options for kids, no baby food.

“We do not feel like we have been supported enough. Sometimes we feel like we have to beg for things to be able to get what you want.”

'NO RESPECT'

It claims some of the staff treatment towards them it quite negative, saying: “No respect from some members of staff whatsoever.

"We feel that we are less important than them or we do not deserve respect.”

Direct provision services in Roscommon came under the spotlight earlier this year after a hotel in Rooskey set to house over 80 asylum seekers was the target of two arson attacks, the first in November 2018 and then again in January.

The latest figures show that there are 6,108 refugees living in 39 direct provision centres, with a further 760 in emergency accommodation in hotels and guesthouses.

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The Justice Department acknowledged receipt of the letter and said: “All complaints are treated seriously and will be investigated fully.

“We conduct regular information sessions in the centre and encourage residents to bring matters of concern to staff during these meetings.

“The Department is committed to ensuring those offering services to refugees do so to the highest standards and with the utmost respect.”