State's 'anti-family policy' attacked by Immigrant Council

The Immigrant Council of Ireland has criticised what it has labelled the State's "anti-family" policy towards immigrants.

The organisation has called for new legislation to allow the spouses and families of immigrant workers to be allowed live in Ireland for the duration of their spouse's work permits.

The Council's Sister Stanislaus Kennedy today said that they are seeking greater respect for family life, in allowing family members to accompany, join or stay with migrant workers in Ireland while they are legally resident here.

"That seems to us like a basic human right, particularly in Ireland, where the family is seen as the basic unit of society," she said.