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1/6 @spirasi are the only organisation in Ireland providing crucial services for survivors of torture. 1 in 2 asylum seekers in Ireland has survived torture, inhumane and degrading treatment, sexual violence or combination.
2/6 we're getting reports of delays in obtaining reports from SPIRASI (they are under-resourced). An asylum seeker just told us that SPIRASI refused to provide a medico legal report because it would not be beneficial for the asylum seeker
3/6 The benefits of a medico legal can't be decided by SPIRASI. We're currently reading appeal tribunal decisions and medico legal reports have proven useful in overturning decisions. Especially where the credibility of the applicant is questioned.
4/6 SPIRASI must provide services requested by their client's solicitor/doctor. The benefits of a medico legal report will be decided by the IPO if issued before interview, or appeal tribunal. But it MUST be issued. Also, @DeptJusticeIRL must provide adequate support for SPIRASI
5/6 the number of organisations providing support for survivors of torture must be increased. We can't rely on one organisation to do all of that if half of asylum seekers have survived torture. It would change power balance between SPIRASI and clients.
6/6 There is currently no alternative if SPIRASI refuses to provide a medico legal report. We've seen asylum claims where a medico legal report is issued after years in the asylum system and proves useful for the applicant's asylum claim.
