Written answers

Thursday, 8 June 2006

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Immigration Procedures

5:00 pm

Photo of Jack WallJack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 36: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the suggestion made in a recent document produced by Chambers Ireland that the term non-national should be replaced by foreign national or some similar term in all documentation; his views on the suggestion made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22152/06]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am aware of the Chambers Ireland Study on Immigration Procedures which was published on 25 May 2006 and the recommendations made therein. The question of the most appropriate terminology for classifying persons as not being of Irish nationality is one which I intend to consider in the context of the forthcoming Immigration and Residence Bill. The Deputy will be cognisant of the predicament and sensitivities of categorising a cohort of people by virtue of what they are not (i.e. citizens of Ireland). The Deputy will also be aware of the problem that alternative phrases which may be acceptable at present could also be viewed, in time, as pejorative terms which are inconsistent with the spirit of inclusiveness and tolerance which we wish our immigration system to reflect.

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