Labour Youth slams "draconian" immigration bill published by government

Issued : Wednesday 30 January, 2008

Labour Youth today launched a blistering attack on the new Immigration Bill brought forward by Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan yesterday. In particular, it criticised new restrictions on access to judicial reviews of asylum applications that are initially refused, the provision to allow deportations to take place while someone is still awaiting trial and the measure which allows Gardai to deport people without notice in certain cases.

Speaking on the Issue Labour Youth National Chairperson Enda Duffy said: "This Bill is fundamentally flawed. Many of the measures in this bill if passed by the Oireachtas will enshrine in Irish law a draconian, inhumane and imprudent asylum and immigration policy in Ireland.

"In particular we condemn in the strongest possible terms the restrictions being imposed on judicial reviews of asylum applications and the new powers afforded to the Gardai without adequate legal protections for vulnerable groups.

"The Labour Party introduced the 1996 Refugee Act when last in government which was a balanced, progressive and humane piece of legislation. The new Immigration Bill is an affront to the humanitarian principles that Ireland is renowned for on the international stage.

"While Fianna Fail may claim to be a 'Republican' party in reality their archaic attitude towards refugees and asylum seekers is indistinguishable from what one might expect from the Tories in Britain."

ENDS

Contact Enda Duffy National Chairperson of Labour Youth at 087 668-6511