Immigrants ‘marginalised’ and ‘punished’, says Church

THE CATHOLIC Church’s emigration service has backed demands to address deteriorating standards among social welfare deciding officers.

Crosscare’s Information officer Joe O’Brien said harsh regulations have marginalised people who immigrate here and punishing those who return home to live in Ireland.

He welcomed the comments of chief social welfare appeals officer Brian Flynn who in his annual report said some deciding officers were confusing their role with the welfare inspectorate.