Sensible and mature debate is an important part of the discourse about immigration in Ireland. The absence of such a debate carries with it the risk that only extreme views are heard which in turn only serves to warp reality, create fear, and divide and alienate communities. I believe that rational and objective debate is in the best interests of all. It is through such a conversation that we can ensure that our attitudes to immigration, and our responses to it, remain fair, balanced and progressive.
I strongly believe that we as a State must have immigration policies as well as a system of immigration that strikes a balance between facilitating those who wish to come here and contribute positively to our communities, while at the same time dealing firmly and fairly with those who would attempt to abuse our goodwill and hospitality.
We must also assess fairly and quickly the cases of persons seeking the protection of the State. Where protection is granted we as a State will welcome and support such persons in making Ireland their new home. In balance to that, like all other developed immigration systems around the globe, we must have in place processes to ensure that persons who do not qualify for asylum or some other form of State protection are obliged to return to their own country without undue delay.
These are the cornerstones of the Government’s policies. They are reflected in the significant programme of reforms for the immigration system which I made a priority on being appointed Minister for Justice and Equality. They will continue this year with the enactment of the long-awaited reforms to be contained in a remodelled Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill.
Recently in these pages, Dr Ronit Lentin acknowledged some of the good work being done, in particular regarding the processing of citizenship applications and the introduction of citizenship ceremonies. I welcome this as it is recognition of the impact of the reforms that have been implemented in this area over the past year.
One of the very first things I did as Minister was to introduce, for the first time in this State, a citizenship ceremony for people becoming Irish citizens. This ceremony has become a most successful event. It is being met with universal approval, and its importance was underscored by the attendance of the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, at a ceremony in Dublin on 2 February. Over the course of two days, 2,250 citizenship candidates from 110 countries across five continents became Irish citizens. The pride of those new citizens in their Irishness was clearly visible in their faces as they proudly swore our citizenship oath and later stood facing the Tricolour during the playing of our national anthem. These occasions emphasise in a very positive way that our new citizens are now part of the narrative of Ireland. Their future is interwoven with the future of Ireland, its citizens across the globe and, in particular, all of us who live on this island.
These reforms are delivering for our migrant communities. When this Government came into office there was a backlog of approximately 22,000 citizenship applications awaiting decision. On taking up office, I immediately initiated steps to deal with this huge backlog. Over 16,000 applications were dealt with in 2011, more than double the number dealt with in 2010. Since the start of 2012, I have made determinations on over 3,000 applications and it is expected that the current backlog will be substantially dealt with in the next couple of months.
Despite its economic difficulties Ireland is still a very attractive place to visit or to work and live in. By way of illustration, in 2011 we received approximately 83,000 entry visa applications, of which 91 per cent were approved. End of year figures for 2011 also showed that some 130,500 non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals have permission to reside in the State. The majority of these are here for work or study purposes.
It is my objective to continue to reform the immigration system to provide greater opportunities for persons to come to Ireland who have a positive contribution to make and who can help us shape a prosperous future.
Already, Ireland’s first Visa Waiver Programme with the UK has been launched and has helped the drive to attract more tourists from emerging markets. I also recently announced details of an immigrant investor programme which will provide a portfolio of investment options for migrants who are prepared to invest here for the purpose of saving or creating jobs.
All Government provided services have appropriate structures. In the interests of fairness to those who respect and comply with the processes and conditions to visit and reside in Ireland, it is right that a system of rules, responsibilities and obligations remains central to our immigration system.
The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) is working very closely with other Government Departments to detect and prevent abuses of any State service. INIS has also increased co-operation with United Kingdom authorities to identify any individual who has provided to the State a false identity as part of a visa or other immigration related application.
It is important that the conditions of their contract with the Irish nation are understood by all who come to reside here from other countries. The overwhelming majority fully comply with the conditions of their status here and our laws. Those with no legal right to be in our State are required to leave and should an individual abuse our immigration system he or she has to be held accountable for his or her actions.
Dr Lentin, in her column, states that she is “totally against deportations because the threat of removal causes fear and trauma to asylum seekers in direct provision holding centres”. I entirely accept that deportation is an unpleasant and an often traumatic experience. It is, however, recognised by this State as being an unfortunate but necessary component of a balanced and fair immigration system - a recognition shared globally, including by the United Nations and many non-governmental organisations. For the Irish State to relinquish its right of deportation, subject of course to our laws and to human rights obligations, would subvert the principles of fairness and due process which are cornerstones of our immigration system.
In conclusion, my message is this: Our immigration system is being overhauled and the measures I am implementing are fair, balanced and progressive. Those who have come to live among us from other nations have contributed greatly to the fabric of modern Ireland and, together with all of our people, we need and welcome your energy, diversity and commitment in building a prosperous future for Ireland.
Alan Shatter TD is Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence.
