Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Kelleher and the Civil Engagement Group and a range of political parties in the Seanad for their support for this Bill. I will make a few general points, which the Minister of State has probably heard before. He knows that the world is experiencing unprecedented displacement of people. Over 65.6 million people were forcibly displaced as a result of conflict, persecution or disaster, which is the highest number ever recorded. There are an estimated 22.5 million refugees, more than half of whom are children. The reality is that only a tiny portion of the world's refugees are able to use safe and legal mechanisms to access asylum. Most of them stay close to the country of origin, often in the same region where some of the poorest communities are helping to provide a safe haven. Low-income countries disproportionately host 84% of the world's refugees. Meanwhile wealthy countries like Ireland host relatively few. Although most refugees stay close to home, some people move further afield in pursuit of international protection.

While the routes to safety taken by refugees may be diverse, a common thread running through their experiences is the breakdown of the family unit. When a person finally reaches safety, their priority is being united with their loved ones. The 2015 legislation closed those doors for people here who are trying to reunite with their loved ones and families. The Irish Government provides limited opportunities for family reunification set out in law. Changes to legislation that began in 2016 have meant that only a very restricted category of family members could apply to be reunited - essentially spouses, parents of minor children and children under the age of 18. This is having an devastating impact on people trying to rebuild their lives in Ireland. The report from Oxfam, the Irish Refugee Council and Nasc Ireland draws out the human consequences of that for those people, the impact on refugee families and their ability to integrate into Irish society. It is important we bring that into it. I know the Minister made the point about IHAP but that legislation is only for the ten UNHCR-recognised conflict zones and gives priority to families that can meet the accommodation requirements of eligible family members. While the scheme would potentially provide a safe route to protection for some, it does not place the rights of refugee families on a statutory footing or address the family reunification needs of those who fall outside these provisions, including those who are outside the recognised conflict zones. Significant additional steps need to be taken to ensure that refugees in Ireland are able to realise their right to family life to benefit both refugees and the communities in which they live because we know people develop in a community when they have their family around them. In isolation, they find it very difficult to settle into a community.

This Bill seeks to amend the International Protection Act 2015 and return to the provisions that governed the Refugee Act 1996, which was both effective and fair. This Bill does not reverse or replace the 2015 Act but in the light of experience, seeks to review some of the changes introduced in 2015. The Bill is supported by Oxfam, the Irish Refugee Council and Nasc Ireland, all organisations that deal directly with the humanitarian crisis of people trying to reunite with their families. The Bill proposes to revert to the definition of "family" in the Refugee Act 1996, gives a more realistic timeframe for people to apply for family reunification, puts family reunification on a statutory basis and allows this Bill to come into force three months after the date of legislative approval. This will ensure a timely response to refugees and family members in crisis.

The Minister of State has said that he will not give a money message. He is closing the door. I think it is a disgrace and a scandal. I am disgusted that the Government has taken this position. The Minister of State is representing the Government and its policy. I still appeal to people in this House to support this Bill.

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