Standing Up For Migrants Rights

A survey by the One Foundation, reported in the Irish Times yesterday, has found that TDs fear that showing support for migrants may damage their electoral chances. Almost two thirds of those TDs surveyed said that they had encountered racist attitudes while canvassing.

This survey follows the recent resignation of Darren Scully, Major of Naas and Fine Gael Councillor, who stated in two separate radio interviews that in the future, he would refuse to represent African constituents.

Such attitudes are deeply depressing and contrast sharply with the positive attitude towards integration and life in Ireland expressed to us by many of our clients. It also contrasts sharply with the positive innovation of citizenship ceremonies for new Irish citizens that were recently introduced (see our post). 

We followed with interest  the ceremony held in Cork last week where retired High Court judge Mr Justice Bryan McMahon welcomed 635 “new Irish”. 

Mr Justice Bryan McMahon welcomed the “new Irish” saying: “The State, in granting you citizenship, does not ask you to surrender your own identity . . . when you make your life here, do not forget the country or the culture you come from, bring your stories, your music, your games – enrich our lives.”

The introduction of the citizenship ceremonies is certainly a positive, if limited step, towards addressing integration of migrants into Irish society. But much more is needed. We recall that the programme of the current government promised to: “promote policies which integrate minority ethnic groups in Ireland, and which promote social inclusion, equality, diversity and the participation of immigrants in the economic, social, political and cultural life of their communities.”

The Integration Centre recently launched a Roadmap to Integration that puts forward a number of affordable and practical proposals. You may recall our previous post on this important document. We again welcome implementation of such a roadmap and hope that an inclusive regime will help overcome the negative attitudes highlighted in this survey of TDs.

Brophy Solicitors

12.12.11 

CITIZENSHIP UPDATE

Amendments to the Irish Naturalisation and Citizenship Acts 1956 to 2004 provided for in the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2011

Part 10 Section 33 of the Act provides for the following amendments:

• That civil partners will receive the same treatment as married couples in the context of citizenship matters. This means that civil partners of Irish citizens will now only need three years reckonable residency to apply for Naturalisation.  Applicants will have to provide documentary evidence of the partnership and will still have to comply with the other requirements for Naturalisation i.e. be of good character, self-sufficient etc. Brophy Solicitors welcomes this legislation, which brings equality in the processing of Naturalisation applications between spouses and partners of an Irish citizen.

• That the citizenship ceremonies take place in a manner prescribed by the Minister. Until recently a person granted citizenship took an oath before a District Court Judge and the new citizen subsequently received their Certificate of Naturalisation by post. Howover a  pilot ceremony took place in Dublin Castle on 24^th June where Justice Bryan McMahon, retired judge of the High Court, assumed the role of presiding officer. At this ceremony new citizens recited a declaration of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State. It is hoped that similar ceremonies will be run throughout the country in future. 

• That the Minister will prescribe the fees for applications for Naturalisation. The current fee is €950. 

Brophy Solicitors
09.08.11