Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 19 May 2016

Committee on Housing and Homelessness

Irish Refugee Council

10:30 am

Photo of John BrassilJohn Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The recommendation about ability to work is the key issue. Refugees and asylum seekers would have a great deal to offer society and they should be given the opportunity.

Whether we like it or not, there is a latent begrudgery out there. If asylum seekers are seen to be provided for - that is not what they want, but it is what they are forced into - it generates an attitude that is an unfortunate part of our society, but which is there. The ability to work would greatly alleviate that. I am sure many of the people concerned would be very beneficial to Irish society and they should be given the opportunity to contribute.

Is there any country that has managed to deal with this issue successfully and has a model of best practice in place that we could adopt? It seems to be a crisis everywhere. Is there any shining example out there of a government or a country that has done things right in this regard?