Kerry asylum seekers on hunger strike

national | miscellaneous | news report Tuesday February 25, 2003 20:26 by Simon Casey - Louis Walsh & Co

from unison.ie/breakingnews

"Feed the World! Make it a better place" Michael Jackson, Smart man!

Asylum seekers in Tralee, Co Kerry, are on hunger strike calling for better conditions and catering at the Johnson Marina centre. The company, which ruins the catering service, has denied the claims, saying that an eight-week ethnic food rota is in operation. Residents have issued a statement alleging racist treatment at the centre. Campbell Catering has confirmed that they asked for a member of staff to be replaced after an exchange of words between a resident and a security guard. The security is provided by a Cork based firm. A spokesperson for Campbell Catering says the security firm was informed of the incident and a staff member was subsequently removed before the end of his shift. Its understood he was re-deployed to another job. The company says it has received no official notification from residents regarding the hunger strike.