PR041220 Immigrants Rights | Ciaran Cuffe

Press Release 20 December 2004

Green Party calls for modernising of immigration systems

The Green Party has called for a radical shake-up of the country's immigration system and has called on the Government to acknowledge that immigration is here to stay. The Green Party has today issued a list of specific recommendations;
- the appointment of a Minister of State for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs.
- an overhaul of the work permit system so as to give more flexibility and rights to immigrant workers
- greater recognition of the needs of the families of Migrant Workers
- the signing, and ratification of the United Nations International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and members of their Families.

Green Party Justice spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD said today that, "The UN Convention sets down basic principles concerning the treatment of migrant workers and members of their families. All we are asking is that the Irish Government gives more protection to immigrant communities."

"Minister McDowell seems to treat immigrants with suspicion rather than recognising that they have a key role to play in Ireland's social economic and cultural future. Some joined-up thinking is required to ensure that immigrants' family rights, social welfare rights and other entitlements are recognised and vindicated. The appointment of a Minister with responsibility for Immigrant Affairs would be a small step in the right direction."

"At Christmas time as we recall the discrimination and bureaucracy faced by a family from Nazareth two thousand years ago, we should carefully consider how best to assist immigrants and their families here in Ireland."