Council calls for independent immigrant tribunal

The Immigrant Council of Ireland (ICI) has today urged the Government to reverse its opposition to an independent appeals tribunal for immigration decisions.

Marking International Migrants’ Day, the council said such a tribunal would be fairer and more transparent, could save money for taxpayers, and would end a “legislative limbo” in the State’s migration system.

ICI chief executive Denise Charlton called on the Government not to squander the opportunity presented by the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill, which is making it way through the Dáil. An independent appeals tribunal for immigration decisions is a crucial element of a fair and efficient system, she said.

“During committee debate on the Bill, the Minister admitted about 60 per cent of all judicial reviews taken to the High Court related to asylum or immigration decisions, and that the cost to the taxpayer associated with judicial reviews was €11 million to €12 million in 2007 alone,” Ms Charlton said.

“Only one of the applications for judicial review the ICI lodged with the High Court last year resulted in a hearing - most were settled beforehand following offers from the Government.

“So the statistics the Minister quoted do not reflect a voracious legal profession but rather a Government unable to stand over its decisions. That situation won’t change unless the Bill is changed to ensure our system is fair, workable and efficient,” Ms Charlton said.

“Establishing an independent appeals tribunal for immigration-related decisions may well create significant savings for taxpayers.”

According to Ms Charlton, most of the “detailed and well thought-out” amendments to the legislation put forward by organisations in the sector and Opposition TDs were rejected.

“The result is that in the future we will continue to experience many of the problems besetting the system now: inordinate delays in decision-making, inconsistent decisions, a reliance on the courts, with resulting cost burden for taxpayers, and infringements of people’s fundamental rights.”

In December 4th, 2000, the UN General Assembly declared December 18th International Migrants Day. The Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families on that day.

State, intergovernmental and non-governmental bodies are invited to observe the day “through the dissemination of information on the human rights and freedoms of migrants, and through the sharing of experiences and actions to ensure their protection”.