Sir, – The lack of political leadership on the refugee crisis at a European level ("EU ministers fail to agree relocation scheme for refugees", Front Page, September 15th) will be a source of dismay for people across the country who have demanded a humanitarian response to a humanitarian catastrophe.
The delay of three weeks by EU justice ministers, as reported by Suzanne Lynch and Dan McLaughlin, is difficult to comprehend given the extraordinary scenes unfolding not only along the frontiers of the EU but also on motorways, at rail stations and, disturbingly, in camps.
The comments by the Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald TD that Ireland is committed to its actions and timelines is a glimmer of hope in a crisis which shows no sign of abating.
Ms Fitzgerald and her Cabinet colleagues must not be distracted by the divisions in Brussels and stick to the timeline.
The Immigrant Council of Ireland is committed to working as an Independent Law Centre to ensure that proper procedures are put in place to recognise and protect the rights of those who arrive here – including residency, access to work and, most importantly, to be reunited with loved ones. – Yours, etc,
BRIAN KILLORAN,
Chief Executive,
Immigrant Council
of Ireland
Andrew Street, Dublin 2.
Sir, – We are witnessing a masterclass in how not to handle the refugee crisis. Hungary plans to jail people who are seeking freedom from war and oppression. The EU delays an emergency meeting for two weeks, then adjourns it after a few hours and not to be reconvened until next month. Russia’s contribution is to prop up the bloody dictatorship of Bashar al-Assad, the epicentre of the Syrian conflict. The civilians who greet and assist the refugees at train stations understand what is needed to be done, so why do governments fail to understand? – Yours, etc,
DAN DONOVAN,
Dungarvan,
Co Waterford.