Minister describes Amnesty posters as offensive

The Minister for Justice has described as offensive and defamatory the controversial antiracism poster campaign by Amnesty International in which he features prominently.

The advertisements accuse Mr O'Donoghue, along with the Taoiseach and Tanaiste, of a lack of leadership on racism, but Amnesty denies they portray the three politicians as racist.

However, Mr O'Donoghue described the ads as "terribly unfair and offensive and hurtful". He said he considered them defamatory but added: "I don't see any point in suing Amnesty International. They do a lot of good work in the defence of human rights but on this occasion they got it wrong."

Meanwhile, the public has been invited to state its views on immigration policy under a new consultation programme established by the Government. Mr O'Donoghue said he was anxious that a wide range of views be heard before the drawing up of new legislation on immigration, probably next year.

Announcing the process yesterday, the Minister promised to develop an immigration system "to the highest international standards" but vowed to remain firm in tackling illegal immigration.

Mr O'Donoghue said it was a "cause of pride" that Ireland had in recent years become a country of immigration, which he described as "essential" for economic and social progress.

The Government had taken a "pragmatic" approach to the issuing of work permits, and Ireland's labour migration system was now "the most open and flexible in Europe".

The consultation process is not concerned with asylum-seekers and refugees, and submissions on these areas will not be considered. The consultation document contains the suggestion that travellers to Ireland who require a visa may be required to obtain pre-entry clearance in their home countries and that anyone refused entry should be returned home regardless of whether an appeal has been launched.

Further information is available from the Department: Tel: 01 602 8202 or www.gov.ie/justice.