I feel in duty bound to respond to the article by Alex Tortell (director of the Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers) On Analysing Immigration (August 30) which was a reaction to my own piece Lost Causes And Iron Boxes (July 29).

I have known Mr Tortell for a number of years – I consider him to be a decent, “committed to the cause” chap. He retains my highest esteem, much as I may disagree with some or most of what he wrote in his reaction to my opinion piece.

I have listed some short points to reply to his article:

• Mr Tortell does not seem to be denying what the photos are showing on my blog, namely the conditions bordering on the inhumane.

• Going into these so-called “open centres” is only possible for “registered residents, staff and accredited visitors” (Mr Tortell). According to him, “this is normal professional practice for residential set-ups”. As far as I am concerned this system is a convenient way of rationalising control. “Such procedures as you have described are justified when residential units are hosting vulnerable populations. This description does not fit your service users.”

• Mr Tortell confirms there are rats sharing the same area where people live, eat, wash, use the toilet and sleep!

• Mr Tortell does not seem to deny “inadequate hygiene” either. The typical excuse is that people do not take care of their facilities! Mr Tortell admitted that the place is overwhelmed with people way beyond its capacity. Keeping adequate levels of hygiene is a responsibility that has to be shared.

• For how long do people live in these “temporary facilities”? Temporary to me means a couple of days, one or two weeks at best.

• The “lost cause” are not the people but the service provision and the public policy we are offering (I know Mr Tortell to be much smarter and sharper).

• Who feels part of this “movement of human solidarity” – the State? My idea of a movement is the commitment of all to do their little bit. Rather than defending the shortcomings of the system, solidarity entails a change in strategy if necessary and a re-think of procedures. “Mr Tortell, I am sure you speak to NGOs, to community operators, to academics involved in this area of research. Ask them if they feel part of this Movement or whether we (civil society vs. State provision) are on different sides of the fence.”

• “We do not have people sleeping on pavements” – you are wrong once again Mr Tortell.

• I am very much concerned that Mr Tortell feels that not enough or anything is being done from University on this matter. He is wrong! The University has been researching this issue for years. A number of colleagues have done brilliant and groundbreaking field research, in schools, centres, and the community. I know for a fact that a great deal of data has been published and is there for people like Mr Tortell to assimilate in the AWAS strategy, if he so wishes. “I can help you dig up some of it if you want Mr Tortell”.

“Mr Tortell, your anger shouldn’t have been directed to me – we are both in agreement on the fact that things should be taken up a notch or two – I suggest you direct this anger towards your superiors, policy makers and politicians.

“I do appreciate the complex and costly situation we are in, but that doesn’t mean we have to put our guard down – these people, whatever their story, whatever the public opinion, whatever our personal dis/like, deserve to have decent and basic necessities... nothing more, nothing less. Is that too much to ask?”