TD expresses grave concern about Government support for EU immigration policy
Speaking at a meeting of the European Affairs Committee today, which is to be addressed by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Sinn Féin spokesperson on International Affairs, Aengus Ó Snodaigh, expressed "grave concerns about the direction of the evolving EU common immigration policy" and what he called "the entrenchment of a Fortress Europe." He said it was hypocritical of the Irish government to endorse this evolving policy "given our own history of extensive economic migration."
Deputy Ó Snodaigh said: "Given our own history of extensive economic migration it is hypocritical of the government to be supporting policies which promote the entrenchment of a Fortress Europe. I firmly believe that it will interfere with our international obligations regarding the protection of refugees. "Given that there is NO CONSENSUS on the Government policy of making war on immigrants and refugees there is an urgent need for a broader debate on the issue in the Dáil.
"And because of that I am calling on the European Affairs Committee to invite submissions from the range of human rights and refugee protection organisations active in this state so that they can outline their concerns about the "downward harmonisation" trend in the emerging EU common policy - a concern that is shared by the High Commissioner. This Committee has a responsibility to follow this up, in conjunction with the Justice Committee, because of the escalating pressure to adopt such measures without adequate parliamentary scrutiny. " ENDS