Residents Against Racism has been campaigning since 1998 against state racism and all manifestations of racism. We are not connected to any political party and do not receive any state funding.
Those seeking asylum in Ireland include people fleeing from war and persecution, along with people trying to escape poverty like thousands of Irish people have done in the past. Instead of wasting money on trying to deport them, Ireland should welcome them here to live in safety.
Although people are often left hanging for years waiting for the right to stay, they are legally banned from working, and forced to survive on only €19.10 a week. People who are ready, willing and able to work are prevented from doing so. They should be allowed to work with the same rights and conditions as everyone else.
Asylum applications are decided by officials who are hired and fired by the Minister for Justice. Whether they keep their job depends on how satisfied the minister is with their decisions. Decisions should be made free from political interference, and based on human rights protection. The system should be taken out of the hands of politicians altogether, and given over to an independent body, like the Human Rights Commission.