Profile on a service: Refugee Information Service
Arriving in Ireland to apply for refugee status can be daunting. The application can take up to two years. The Refugee Information Service was established by the Citizen Information Centres and the Refugee Council to assist in specialist services. Garrett Mullan met with John Mc Dermott of the service to find out a bit more.
In 2004 the RIS assisted people from 90 different countries. The top 10 were Nigeria, Somalia, DR Congo, Romania, Ukraine, Moldova, Pakistan, Iran, Russia and Cameroon.
The five information officers based in Dublin conduct outreach advice clinics in Tallaght, Rialto, Rathmines, Blanchardstown and Amiens Street. They also provide training and information for staff and volunteers in other organisations to help make information known as widely as possible.
The top 5 queries those using the service have are in regard to Family Reunification, Social Welfare, Citizenship rights, Residence and Visas. Other issues arising include queries about rights to education, travel,employment and accommodation.
More information about the RIS is at www.ris.ie
In 2004 the RIS assisted people from 90 different countries. The top 10 were Nigeria, Somalia, DR Congo, Romania, Ukraine, Moldova, Pakistan, Iran, Russia and Cameroon.
The five information officers based in Dublin conduct outreach advice clinics in Tallaght, Rialto, Rathmines, Blanchardstown and Amiens Street. They also provide training and information for staff and volunteers in other organisations to help make information known as widely as possible.
The top 5 queries those using the service have are in regard to Family Reunification, Social Welfare, Citizenship rights, Residence and Visas. Other issues arising include queries about rights to education, travel,employment and accommodation.
More information about the RIS is at www.ris.ie
posted by garrettmullan
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