A report into Direct Provision centres by the Ombudsman shows some residents are reluctant to complain about the facilities because it might affect their status in Ireland.

According to the report, 97 formal complaints were made by people living in Direct Provision centres and Emergency Reception & Orientation centres in 2017.

The complaints from residents in Direct Provision centres were based on food, a lacking of cooking facilities, a lack of childcare and other facilities, and the attitude of staff at the centre towards residents.

Staff from the Ombudsmans Office visited each of the direct provision centres around the country, as well as the three Emergency Reception & Orientation centres, where complaints were again about food, accommodation, and access to health and dental care.

Ombudsman Peter Tyndall says more needs to be done to help resettle those entitled to stay in Ireland, and better support them to access work: