07/12/2015

Ireland Should Increase Refugee Intake To 22,000 - Report

A new report has warned Ireland should increase its intake of refugees to 22,000.

The 'Protection, Resettlement and Integration: Ireland's Response to the Refugee and Migration Crisis' report also recommends reforming the way the Irish Government deals with the issue.

The report was made by a coalition of 21 NGO's, including Oxfam Ireland, Migrant Rights Centre Ireland, and the Irish Refugee Council.

It stated the Irish Government has not 'lived up to its commitments' to provide a safe have for migrants.

The coalition also expressed its disappointment that focus of EU leaders on border security has gathered more attention that finding a political solution to the crisis.

Edel McGinley, Director of Migrant Rights Centre Ireland said: "It is disappointing and disheartening that the Government has fallen short of its commitment to the Irish public to welcome 4,000 men, women and children who are fleeing war and poverty and arriving at European borders. We have resettled just 100 people so far this year, and plan to resettle only 20 or 30 more. This is unacceptable."

Irish Refugee Council Chief Executive Sue Conlan added: "Single procedure as it currently stands in the proposed Protection Bill is not the answer. Yet the Government seem determined to rush it through without proper or adequate debate, which will result in new laws that do not properly or adequately respect or uphold the rights and protection needs of the people who will be impacted by it."

(LM)

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