A chara, – The discussion on immigration that was initiated by the Rural Independent Group of TDs in the Dáil this week was welcome, given the high level of inward migration into Ireland in recent years (“Heated Dáil debate on Rural Independent Group’s motion calling for cap on ‘influx of asylum seekers’”, News, December 6th). Poll after poll shows that a majority of the electorate have genuine concerns with our immigration policy. Most people acknowledge the positive contribution that immigrants have made to Irish society through their employment and assimilation within their local communities.
However, the failure of the vast majority of our politicians to engage with their constituents’ genuine concerns regarding immigration policy only serves to alienate people. When negative issues regarding immigration policy are aired, some politicians immediately attempt to disengage from these concerns and label the people highlighting the subject as “racist”. Issues around lack of services to cater for these new arrivals, and the high numbers of international protection applicants arriving here with no formal identification papers, are some of the concerns that people feel are not being addressed. Public representatives are elected by the people to engage with their communities on issues of concern, and I feel that the behaviour of some of our politicians in this area is not a positive one. – Yours, etc,
EAMONN O’HARA,
Manorcunningham,
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Co Donegal.
Sir, – The unnecessary rancour recently on display in Dáil Éireann regarding asylum and immigration suggests that we are a long way from having a mature and reasoned debate on this important issue. It is, therefore, incumbent on the Government to address some key questions.
Are the decisions on asylum applications in Ireland based on too liberal and broad an interpretation of the UN Refugee Convention? The same question applies in relation to EU law on subsidiary protection and decisions on permission to remain.
Is it the case that successful appeals are creating major difficulties for the asylum process by introducing precedents that can only be dealt with by changes to national legislation?
Are there pull factors at work encouraging economic migrants to come in increasing numbers to Ireland and apply for asylum?
Are the arrangements for the deportation of failed asylum seekers fit for purpose?
What efforts are being made to free up the State accommodation currently enjoyed by the 5,000 migrants who have been granted refugee status but remain in direct provision despite the fact that they are free to work and avail of all the social welfare supports available to Irish citizens?
Given that asylum seekers arriving in Ireland are now being issued with a tent and money and sent on their way, it is essential that this exercise takes place immediately in the hope that a resolution may be found to the serious problems faced by the migrants who come here and by the communities, towns and cities in which they reside. – Yours, etc,
MARTIN McDONALD,
Terenure,
Dublin 12.