Dear Editor,
The current turmoil surrounding issues of justice, policing, and migration continue to escalate. The Department of Justice, tasked with key responsibilities of monitoring policing, maintaining state security and controlling immigration, seems to be far from tackling these issues effectively. Despite Justice Minister Helen McEntee’s assurance of safety, the law enforcement concerns in our capital city remain predominantly unresolved. Following a brutal assault on an American visitor, her seemingly futile expedition with senior police officers failed to instil confidence. Further, recent chaotic scenes in central Dublin exacerbated by limited Garda resources and visible inadequacy of equipment, invoke serious queries.
Moreover, the Minister’s recent controversial statements about inter-border immigration, which ignited disputes with the British government, seem to have been poorly conceived. Warnings had reportedly been administered to her two years back about the possible ramifications of the UK’s Rwanda strategy and the inadequate measures taken by our administration to counter it.
In his recent address, Taoiseach Simon Harris listed law and order as his key priority. But with Napoleon’s saying in mind – “Give me lucky generals” – it is apparent that our justice system lacks both luck and proficient management.
Agreeably, the UK government’s defiance of its legally binding institutions and global law in its Rwanda policy is garnering widespread criticism, notably from numerous NGOs. However, in the ongoing discussion concerning the large exodus of asylum seekers arriving at the International Protection Office (IPO), it is dispiriting to observe the NGO fraternity continuing the narrative that the Justice Minister’s recent claims of the majority of such applicants arriving from Northern Ireland remain uncorroborated and contentious.
On public platforms, NGOs debate against this analysis and the government’s stance on the Border issue, and aspirations run high for their reasonable contestation.
Furthermore, it seems far-fetched to presuppose that innumerable people fleeing from war and persecution would have already managed to successfully apply for required entry visas to Ireland, establish their lives here, and only then decide to seek international protection.
The apprehension of being sent back to their homeland is seemingly less among this group of applicants, given that such actions have been rare in recent times by the involved authorities. It’s pertinent for everyone to acknowledge that the system for accommodating asylum seekers was already grappling with major impediments well before talks arose about regulating the inflow from Northern Ireland.
In 2022, there was an unprecedented 400% upsurge in the number of asylum applications, with the lion’s share being economic migrants from secure third countries who still occupy State shelters. This primarily stems from a few key attractors, notably the pardon for illegal immigrants and the proposal to abolish direct provision. These measures, whilst implemented with good intent and applauded by NGOs, did usher in unforeseen repercussions.
Now, the focal point must be to ensure, in congruence with our international commitments, that all components of the asylum processing system are operating optimally with the fundamental purpose of availing more shelter spots for genuine refugees from nations like Afghanistan and Syria, who are currently homeless in our cities. -Yours,
Martin McDonald,
Terenure,
Dublin 12.
According to National and EU law, the provision of basic living conditions including lodging to those who seek sanctuary in our country is responsibility of the Irish government. Any failure on its part could potentially result in legal consequences, meaning homeless asylum seekers might be eligible for compensation due to the state’s negligence. Most of these individuals, however, will likely not pursue legal restitution.
Can we expect a similar level of understanding from the state in abstaining from detaining and prosecuting them? -Yours,
Siobhan Conlon,
Kimmage,
Dublin 12.
Sir, – In light of the recent resolution of the Mount Street fiasco, perhaps it’s time the authorities focused their efforts on improving the dire conditions faced by the copious number of homeless and desperate individualse, who are a regular sight in Dublin city centre.
During a single day in the week, I travelled from Henry Street to South King Street and was approached by a staggering 14 individuals begging for money. I noticed five tents scattered about various streets; a distressed young woman, evidently under the influence of drugs, meandering aimlessly on an adjacent street and a separate group squabbling over beer cans in an adjacent alleyway.
On a daily basis, I encounter the same desolate faces in the heart of the city – primarily youngsters who very possibly won’t live to see their twilight years. It’s heart-wrenching to witness their hopelessness, and the sheer squandering of their potential is deeply distressing.
Despite being a civilian, I often feel powerless in finding a way to assist these unfortunate individuals. Merely offering them spare change doesn’t equate to a solution.
Nevertheless, I am in possession of the right to vote, which I intend to utilise prudently when the occasion arises. Therefore, I implore all Dublin inhabitants to follow my example.
Yours faithfully, Barbara Keogh, Dublin 11.