Immigrant groups slam lack of debate on citizenship

A network of community and voluntary groups working with immigrants and refugees in Ireland has criticised the lack of real debate on the Government’s proposed citizenship referendum.

Speaking at a public forum in Dublin, Jean-Pierre Eyanga, a spokesman for Integrating Ireland, said the lack of information about the citizenship issue ahead of the referendum was alarming.

“Unfortunately, as we saw during the first Nice Treaty referendum in 2002, this Government tends to seek your vote first and then explains only later,” he said.

“Integrating Ireland would like Irish people to understand first and then make an informed vote.”