Offaly people deserve clear information about changes to International Protection Act
There has been a lot of discussion in recent weeks about the EU Migration Pact and what will happen on 12 June when the International Protection Act comes into force
There has been a lot of discussion in recent weeks about the EU Migration Pact and what will happen on 12 June when the International Protection Act comes into force.
That's according to local Fianna Fail Deputy, Tony McCormack who has penned this opinion piece on changes to the International Protection Act.
The International Protection Act is the biggest reform of Ireland's asylum system in the history of the State. It was debated extensively in the Dáil and Seanad and examined in detail by the Oireachtas Justice Committee before being passed by the Oireachtas earlier this year. The aim of the legislation is simple. It is designed to make the asylum system faster, fairer and more effective.
Under the new law, people applying for international protection will be subject to mandatory screening and biometric identification. Applicants will also be required to cooperate with the process.
At the same time, the State will have new obligations. Applications and appeals will have to be dealt with much more quickly. Instead of cases taking years, decisions will generally be made within a matter of months.
This is good for everyone.
People who genuinely need protection should not be left waiting for years in uncertainty. Faster decisions mean they can start building their lives sooner, access employment, contribute to their communities and become active members of society.
A faster system will also save taxpayers money. Every year that a case remains unresolved comes with costs for accommodation, administration, legal processes and support services. Reducing delays means reducing those costs.
It will also make it harder for people without a valid claim to stay in the system for years while awaiting a decision. Earlier decisions mean earlier returns where appropriate and a system that is more efficient and more credible.
Just as importantly, it sends a clear message that Ireland is not a place where unfounded claims can lead to years spent in the process. Those with a genuine need for protection will be treated fairly and receive decisions quickly. Those without a valid claim will not be able to take advantage of delays in the system.
Some people have suggested these changes are being imposed on Ireland by Brussels. They are not. Ireland made the decision to opt into these arrangements and to work with other European countries on migration and asylum policy.
We have already seen the risks of trying to go it alone. Following Brexit, many believed the United Kingdom would gain greater control over migration by acting independently. Instead, irregular migration across the English Channel increased significantly. Migration is an international challenge and cooperation between countries remains important.
It is also important to be clear about what is not happening on 12 June. Ireland is not opening its borders. There will not be a sudden influx of migrants because of this legislation. What will happen is that a new system will come into operation. It will place greater responsibilities on applicants, give stronger powers to the State and ensure decisions are made more quickly.
Let me also be absolutely clear. I do not stand for racism, discrimination or hatred in any form. Ireland has always been a welcoming country and every person should be treated with dignity and respect.
At the same time, it is entirely legitimate to discuss how our asylum and immigration systems operate and how they can be improved. We can support strong borders, efficient asylum processes and the rule of law while also treating people fairly. These positions are not contradictory.
People have strong views on migration, and that is understandable. Open and honest debate is important. However, that debate should be based on facts and on what the legislation actually says, rather than on misinformation or speculation.
The people of Offaly deserve clear information about the changes that are taking place. They deserve an asylum system that is fair, efficient and properly managed. Most of all, they deserve a debate based on facts. That is exactly what this legislation is about.