Relevant Matter
Public policy or programme
Public Policy Area
Justice and Equality
Period
1 Sep, 2015 to 31 Dec, 2015
Specific Details
Refugee Crisis - framing Ireland's response
Intended results
To ensure Ireland takes lead on Search and Rescue, Legal Access Routes for Refugees and Integration Plans for those arriving here
Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity
Brian Killoran, Chief Executive, Immigrant Council of Ireland
Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?)
Yes
Current or Former Designated Public Official(s)
Jerry O'Connor (Former DPO)
Press Adviser (Department of Foreign Affairs)
Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign?
No
Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client?
No
Mass communications
Email All Oireachtas Members
Email of 21/9/2015
Dear
The complex issues which continue to emerge from the humanitarian crisis unfolding across Europe will require political leadership at both a national and European level in the weeks and months ahead.
As the Oireachtas resumes the Immigrant Council of Ireland is ready to brief you and other elected politicians on how we believe the needs of refugees arriving in this country can be met.
The issues of family reunification, proper accommodation as well as efficient procedures in our asylum and immigration systems have already been highlighted, but as people begin to arrive and are integrated into Irish life there will be other unforeseen challenges which must be met.
As a frontline service provider and Independent Law Centre the Immigrant Council is ready to play its role in that process.
Email All Oireachtas Members
28/10/2015 An Immigrant Council of Ireland News Release, calling on Government to outline its integration strategy for refugees, which had featured as the main item on RTE Morning Ireland and was supported by an editorial in the Irish Examiner was circulated to all TDs and Senators.
It sought details on proposals re procedures for family reunification, access to work, education and training, procedures for vulnerable groups including children travelling alone, human trafficking victims and victims of domestic violence. Assurances were also sought that those arriving in Ireland would be informed of their rights and entitlements.
Email All Oireachtas Members
15/9/2015 An immigrant Council of Ireland letter published in the Irish Times and Irish Examiner calling on Ireland to show leadership in the refugee crisis, despite divisions in Europe, was circulated to all TDs and Senators. Specifically the statement stated that "The comments from 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. Minister Fitzgerald and her cabinet colleagues must not be distracted by the divisions in Brussels and stick to the timeline."
Letter All Oireachtas Members
23/12/2015 - Following the Christmas message of President Higgins, the Immigrant Council of Ireland successfully published a letter in the Irish Times and Irish Examiner asking that politicians ensure Ireland meets commitments made in response to the refugee crisis. "As a frontline agency and independent law centre the Immigrant Council of Ireland has highlighted a number of areas where leadership is required.
Efficient procedures must be put in place which allow people to restart their lives, including re-uniting families, right to work and training. The most vulnerable, including those trafficked for sex and labour exploitation, stateless persons and children travelling alone must be identified and offered protection and support to recover.
Integrating people is also a key and a comprehensive programme should be overseen by a newly appointed Minister for Integration."
Lobbying activity
The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.
Email (2-5)
The Immigrant Council of Ireland as an individual frontline organisation and as a member of a coalition of NGOs wrote to both the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, TD and the Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald TD outlining policies which it would like to see included in Ireland's response to the refugee crisis. There were 3 main elements which we wanted to see addressed 1) Naval deployment in Search and Rescue 2) Legal avenues for refugees to enter Ireland 3) A full integration strategy to include family rights, access to work and training as well as immediate accommodation needs.
Designated public officials lobbied
The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them.
As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.
Frances Fitzgerald
Minister (Department of Justice and Equality)
Enda Kenny
Taoiseach (Department of the Taoiseach)