PETER O'MAHONY,
A chara, - A report in your edition of December 19th states incorrectly that "some 860" asylum-seekers were recognised as refugees in Ireland this year.
In fact, over 1,890 have been recognised so far this year, an increase of more than 100 per cent over last year - partly as a result of a welcome speeding-up of the asylum process. However, serious questions arise as to why more than half of those recognised as refugees had their applications initially rejected by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, necessitating an appeal and all the delay, continued uncertainty and cost - to the State - that this entails.
The same report noted that more Zimbabweans than nationals of any other country were given the protection of the Irish State. It is, therefore, most disturbing that the Irish Government has now imposed visa restrictions on Zimbabweans and is, at the same time, trying to bring in legislation that will fine airline carrier and ferry companies who bring in non-nationals who, in fleeing their homelands, are not in possession of full travel documentation.
Such legislation will indiscriminately deny people fleeing persecution the right to enter Ireland in safety and dignity and will undoubtedly play into the hands of criminal networks which relish the greater obstacles faced by people fleeing to safety in countries such as Ireland. This unquestionably undermines the 1951 Geneva Refugee Convention which explicitly recognises that many who are forced to flee persecution will have to use false documents.
Under the planned legislation, many asylum claims would not be determined by the relevant Government bodies but by untrained employees of airlines, hauliers and ferry companies who would be forced to adopt the role of the Irish immigration authorities.
Ireland's response to the asylum issue, described three years ago by one Minister as "a shambles", has come some distance since. We must not now place new obstacles that would almost certainly prevent refugees seeking sanctuary here. - Is mise,
PETER O'MAHONY,
Chief Executive,
Irish Refugee Council,
Dublin 1.