Sir, – There are much more serious aspects to the discrepancies in our citizenship system than denying our nation sporting prowess (Hold the Back Page, November 3rd).
While there have been improvements in recent years, as witnessed in the joyful scenes at citizenship ceremonies, there is still a lot of work to be done. For many, the system is still cumbersome, lengthy and indiscriminate. It has split up families, left victims of domestic violence fearful of coming forward for fear of deportation and prevented Irish citizens from bringing the ones they love home. Those who are unhappy with decisions are further hindered by being denied the protection of the Ombudsman’s Office, a fact recently highlighted not just by the Immigrant Council of Ireland but also by the Ombudsman herself.
While it is true we could do with the many talents of potential Irish citizens on the sporting field, surely we also owe it to those who have been left in a legal limbo the right to a life without uncertainty and fear. – Yours, etc,