Seanad debates

Thursday, 3 July 2003

Immigration Bill 2002 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil] : Report and Final Stages.

 

The Labour Party still has many concerns about the legislation. I have raised a number of them, including the huge responsibility these new provisions impose on carriers, including non-commercial carriers. We also expressed fear that the new provisions will deter genuine asylum seekers from seeking asylum or endanger them because they will seek non-legitimate ways of getting access to this country. They might not even get here and we should not wish that to happen. I am also critical of the provisions whereby applications can be deemed withdrawn and that there is no appeal process, save through the Minister. The applications can be deemed withdrawn despite the difficult deadlines that must be complied with in the application procedures. I have serious concerns about the provisions in relation to safe countries and the fast tracking procedures. I also have problems with some of the provisions in the new work permit legislation.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.