The Programme for Government makes it clear that the new Cabinet will take a tough line on illegal immigration and seek to increase the rate of repatriation where asylum applications have failed. As Minister for Justice, Mr Michael McDowell will have responsibility for drafting and implementing a new Immigration and Residence Bill.
The Government has undertaken to consult with the opposition parties on whether constitutional or other measures will be required to deal with asylum applications involving the parents of Irish-born children. In addition to promising that new asylum applications will be dealt with within six months, the Coalition Government is anxious to devise a voluntary repatriation programme for illegal immigrants. It also wishes to review processing arrangements for work visas, so as to provide extra safeguards.
The attitude towards asylum seekers has been hardening across the European Union in recent years as war and poverty displaced thousands of people in Africa, the Middle East and Asia and sent them streaming towards what they hoped would be a better life. This has generated serious friction and provided extreme right-wing and populist politicians in France, Austria and Holland with ready-made platforms.
The issue is expected to become a major talking point for EU leaders at this month's summit meeting in Seville, where the Spanish Government regards it as " the most important question in European politics". The number of asylum applications in the Republic peaked two years ago at almost 11,000, having risen dramatically from 1,179 in 1996 . The annual rate still exceeds 10,000 people.
There have been consistent criticisms from the churches and the trade union movement about the way in which some asylum-seekers and foreign workers have been treated. It is an area that will require sensitive and generous handling by the Government, given our own historic experience of large-scale, economic emigration. The Overseas Development Aid programme will encourage economic growth in developing countries, but we need to go farther. A humanitarian approach to those seeking to build a new life is required.