Sinn Féin launches 'significant intervention' on immigration with new policy
At the launch on Tuesday afternoon, party leader Mary Lou McDonald said the party is not in campaign mode and the policy is simply an effort to clarify its stance for voters.
Sinn Féin's newly launched immigration policy has been billed as a "significant intervention" from the party but denies it is a pitch for votes ahead of the general election.
Following the local and European elections, Sinn Féin was criticised for its perceived mixed messaging around the issues of migration during the campaign. At the launch on Tuesday afternoon, party leader Mary Lou McDonald said the party is not in campaign mode and the policy is simply an effort to clarify its stance for voters.
"Our communities said to us: You are not speaking for us, you do not have our backs and you are not reflecting the reality on the ground," said Ms McDonald. "I would accept that we were not doing that with sufficient vigour."
The feedback the party received from voters was that they do not have the resources or supports required to facilitate international protection seeker accommodation centres and they were being neglected and ignored by government.
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The newly published policy focuses on moving away from a system of private profiteering, recommends auditing areas before choosing locations for accommodation centres, and engaging in meaningful consultation with communities.
Sinn Féin has long been vocal in its criticism of the government for not engaging in dialogue with communities where Ms McDonald said there are "well-grounded" frustrations and anger. Ms McDonald pointed out that the lack of transparency and consultation is something she has been raising since November 2022.
The Government's claim that consultation has taken place has fueled the sense of anger and led to a "very unacceptable situation" that needs to be remedied rapidly, she said.
The policy was also presented as being "very different" to that of the Government. However, there are elements of the proposals that echo those of the government.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee announced last month that the number of staff working in the International Protection Office (IPO) had doubled and would see a further 400 staff members hired over the next 12 months. Sinn Féin has called for a tripling of staff numbers at the IPO.
The carrier liability fine was increased from €3,000 to €5,000 where airlines were found not to have upheld obligations ensuring passengers have appropriate documentation. Sinn Féin has said there must be greater implementation of legal provisions for such fines and for prosecutions of individuals.
Addressing the ongoing situation in Coolock, Ms McDonald said it is not a location that Sinn Féin would have chosen to open an accommodation centre as it is one of the most deprived communities in the country.
The policy said there must be local audits carried out to determine whether an area has the necessary services and infrastructure to accommodate new arrivals.
When it was put to Ms McDonald that Sinn Féin are indicating that middle-class areas need to do more, she said that it is fairer to those seeking international protection and the communities if the centres are located where there is better access to services.
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