We need a minister for integration
It is imperative that people accepted as refugees to this country are helped to integrate and to contribute fully to our society, culture and economy.
The RIS sees the establishment of a ministry to oversee all immigration matters as a vital first step.
Our services in Dublin and Galway assist asylum seekers and refugees on a daily basis.
As a result, we have developed a thorough understanding of key issues relevant to integration — the most notable being family reunification.
In Ireland, people recognised as refugees under the 1951 Refugee Convention have a statutory right to be reunited with their family members.
However, the RIS has found that lengthy delays exist in this system.
This can put family members at risk in their home country and also cause considerable stress for the person applying for reunification.
Other problems our clients encounter include the current multi-agency approach to processing applications and the lack of an independent and transparent appeals mechanism.
We wish also to express our concern about the narrow definition of the ‘family’ in Irish legislation.
For example, a separated child refugee is only permitted to bring his or her parents to Ireland.
If they wish to apply for reunification with their brothers or sisters, they have to prove their siblings are dependent on them and this is a very difficult undertaking for a child.
It is also essential that when people arrive in Ireland they are given clear guidance and information in relation to their rights and entitlements.
The RIS would support the development of consistent and easily understood national standards and guidelines and advocates that these be developed in consultation with organisations working in the field.
The RIS is completing research into the procedures and problems surrounding family reunification and its administration.
We expect to publish the results of our research early this year and we look forward to contributing our expertise towards the development of an open, transparent and expedient immigration system.
Josephine Ahern
Director
Refugee Information Service
27 Annamoe Tce
North Circular Road
Dublin 7.
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