Doras Luimní and the Irish Refugee Council are proposing a one-off scheme to clear the backlog of cases in the asylum system, before a single protection procedure is introduced. Read our full proposal here: Proposal for One-off Scheme to Clear Asylum Backlog.
Download the shortened informational flyer here: Shortened Info Flyer for Backlog Scheme
Media Statement: 15th December 2014
Will this be the final Christmas in Direct Provision?
As the Oireachtas winds down for the holiday period, the IRC and Doras Luimní ask TDs and Senators to reflect on those spending Christmas in Direct Provision centres across the country. For some it will be their first, for others this will mark their 10th Christmas in the Direct Provision system. Both organisations are asking for people in the asylum backlog to have their cases resolved in a one-off scheme that will draw a line under a system that has left people languishing for years.
It is widely acknowledged that the international protection system in Ireland, unique in the EU, has led to severe delays in the processing of applications and appeals for refugee status, subsidiary protection and leave to remain. With the introduction of a Single Procedure to rectify this, what of the people let down by the current asylum system?
Karen McHugh, CEO of Doras Luimní said, “This proposed one off scheme sets out the different categories that people fall under, and how and why each of them should be included in a scheme to grant them some form of status in Ireland as soon as possible.”
McHugh went on to say, “Whilst preparations are made to bring in a new protection system to try to avoid delays occurring again, with the harm that is caused by being forced to live in idleness and dependent upon the state, people in the system now need to know that the end of this prolonged nightmare is in sight. That can only be done by those still in the system being given decisions that allow them to remain in Ireland and to get on with their lives.”
Sue Conlan, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council said, “To do anything else would be a denial of the damage that has been caused to them and would put the blame on them for a system they did not create. It is time to face up to the reality that we have to draw a line under the old system before bringing in the new.”
END
Contact
Caroline Reid, Communications Officer (IRC), 085 858 5510
Aideen Roche, Communications Officer (DL), 061310328
Notes to the editor
Sue Conlan, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council and Karen McHugh, CEO of Doras Luimní are both available for interview.
