NASC says asylum seeker laws neglect the rights of children

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald yesterday published the long awaited International Protection Bill, saying it would reduce the length of time asylum applicants spend in the process.

Her department says it will ensure asylum seekers are treated with humanity and respect while ensuring more efficient immigration procedures.

However, she also indicated the legislation would ensure people are deported more easily when they have no right to stay here.

A new unit, the Protection Office, will be established in the Department of Justice to oversee the process.

A legal loophole will be closed whereby failed applicants will now be more easily deported where they might try to evade their removal. The laws also allow authorities to enter homes and arrest people where they have not co-operated with deportation. The current eight-week maximum period for detention of failed applicants can also be extended.

The minister will have the power to deport a person from prison and authorities will be able to detain those assigned for deportation at ports and airports.

NASC, the Irish Immigrant Support Centre, said that the use of detention for those seeking protection should only be used as an absolute last resort.

“We are concerned that people detained should get all of the information they require, in writing, in their own language, access to interpreters at all stages of detention, and are offered a solicitor and the opportunity to claim asylum. As well, there should be an upper time limit on the overall period a protection applicant can be detained,” added a spokeswoman.

NASC also said the changes did not ensure that a child’s rights are at the centre of applications and could result in a situation where someone who trafficked or smuggled them into Ireland submitted their asylum application. “The legislation is not in line with the United Nations and other European countries asylum processes,” she added.