On Friday 8th November Carlow College, St. Patrick’s hosted a conference giving voice to those with first-hand experience of Ireland’s direct provision system. There was a full house for the event which included speakers who have been or are currently in the asylum process.  Discussion centred around living in the direct provision system and how Ireland can move forward to a more humane asylum system.

Speaking at the event Helen Maher, Vice President of the College said “As an educational institute it is important that Carlow College, St Patrick’s works to educate others about injustice in our society and encourage change.” Lecturer and organiser of the Conference Stephanie Hanlon, added ‘this is a very difficult and challenging time for people seeking refuge. In hosting this event we learnt from asylum seekers about the realities of Direct Provision which enabled discussion about more humane alternatives”.

Speakers at the conference included representatives from Queer Diaspora Ireland, Asylum Archive, (Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland) MASI and Abolish Direct Provision Ireland. The event was run in conjunction with the Carlow County Development Partnership.