Renewed criticism of citizenship poll

THE Government faces renewed criticism over the citizenship referendum this morning after the Human Rights Commission last night indicated the proposal may break international law.

In a preliminary consideration issued last night, the commission said it was concerned the Government’s proposal had not been properly thought out and may be at odds with Ireland’s obligations under international human rights law. Set up as part of the Good Friday Agreement, the commission’s mandate is to act as the Government’s human rights watchdog as new laws are proposed. However, the Government is not obliged to forward its proposals to the commission and did not do so in relation to the planned referendum.

But according to the commission’s initial assessment, the referendum, if passed, would create a new category of non-citizen who would not benefit from the same protection of rights enjoyed by others.