IMMIGRATION POLICY 2012
05.01.12
Press Release 5/01/12
Response to Statement by Minister for Justice Alan Shatter 4/1/12
2011 saw a number of positive actions put in place by the newly appointed Minister for Justice Alan Shatter. However, it is imperative that this momentum continues to gather in the right direction.
The Minister released a statement (4/1/12) wherein he stated "the immigration system can significantly aid economic activity and it is my priority that the system is utilised to the greatest extent possible in that respect."
Killian Forde, CEO of The Integration Centre, said ‘The Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill has been in process for almost a decade. It is scheduled to return to Committee stage early 2012 for further debate – it remains to be seen whether this government is committed to an immigration and integration system in Ireland which is viable and promotes growth”.
The Minister outlined a number of processes he hoped to put in place in the coming year. One of which was the creation of an Immigrant Investment Programme and start-up Entrepreneur Programme for Immigrants.
Mr. Forde commented ‘The Integration Centre welcomes this initiative as we have been calling for this type of action over the last year. Research we conducted in collaboration with the ESRI called the Annual Monitoring Report highlighted the fact that immigrant entrepreneurship in Ireland was surprisingly low which is probably due to the fact that the rules around business creation were more restrictive than enticing.
“In the Roadmap to Integration The Integration Centre produced last October 80 solutions were proffered to solve current gaps in integration policy. One of these was the creation of a State approved orientation course wherein information on cultural, political and civic life in Ireland, as well as public services, be provided to immigrants – this would enable them to be informed on their rights and therefore better citizens.”
“We have serious reservations however at the option proffered by the Minister in his latest statement. An English/Civics test for naturalization if created without the supply of a dedicated course to teach people what they need to know would only serve to be a further block to gaining a citizenship they would be otherwise entitled to.”
Mr. Forde finished by saying "one of the Minister’s chief achievements in 2011 was to bring in a citizenship ceremony and to deal with the backlog in citizenship applications by ensuring they be dealt with in a six month period. However it is our position that this test will significantly delay the process".