Cuffe welcomes publication of immigration bill
Issued: 29 January 2008
Statement by Ciarán Cuffe
Justice Spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD welcomed the Government's publication today of the immigration, residence and protection bill, which provides for an overhaul of existing immigration and asylum law, some of which dates back to the 1930s.
Deputy Cuffe said: "I am glad to see the publication of this substantial piece of legislation. It represents the first step towards a more comprehensive immigration and asylum system. I look forward to a positive engagement with the Justice Minister during the bill’s passage through the Oireachtas.
"This country has undergone massive migratory changes over the last ten years and we need a comprehensive legislative framework to address this. I see this bill as a step toward bringing that about.
"I welcome the fact the bill addresses key commitments in the Programme for Government, providing a legal avenue for long term residency for migrants and bringing legal clarity to the visa application process. I also note Minister Lenihan’s commitment to providing a transparent system for family reunification.
"The Minister has committed to honouring the remaining commitments in the Programme for Government and the Green Party looks forward to continuing its work with him to ensure the timely establishment of an independent immigration appeals procedure," Deputy Cuffe concluded.