10th April 2003

PRESS RELEASE

GREENS ACCUSE GOVERNMENT ON RAISING DRAWBRIDGE ON IMMIGRATION

Speaking in the Dáil today on the Immigration Bill 2002, Ciarán Cuffe expressed the Green Party's concerns with the Bill,   "The Green Party opposes the Government's shift of responsibility of decision making onto people who are not trained in immigration procedures.  Such decisions directly affect the lives of the people involved. "

"We have heard of fortress Europe.  That is clearly being replaced by fortress Ireland.  I worry that Operation Hyphen, introduced last year, will be replaced by Operation Full Stop when this Bill comes into effect," said Deputy Cuffe.

Referring to our responsibilities under international law he stated that "any restrictions on entering Ireland by those fleeing human rights persecutions or violations is contrary to Article 31 of the Geneva Convention 1951.  Not all those fleeing persecution will have on their personal documentation.  The Green Party is calling for exemptions to these sanctions for those found to be carrying asylum seekers as exist in other countries such as Spain, Norway and France. "

"This legislation will lead to a tightening of the screws on our immigration policy and will lead to fewer people wishing to live and work in Ireland.  We will be seen as raising up the drawbridge.   It sends out the wrong message to the rest of the world," concluded Ciarán Cuffe.

The Green Party have called on the Minister to bring this Bill before the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights for NGOs to be given an opportunity to air their views on this controversial issue.

ENDS

For Further Information

Ciarán Cuffe TD -  6183082 or 087 265 2075

Steve Rawson - 0872357551