Sir, – I read in your recent editions that Sinn Féin pledges an “audit” of local services and infrastructure in areas where immigrants are to be accommodated (“Sinn Féin pledges new migration system in significant policy shift”, News, July 23rd).
I then read that the Garda Commissioner suggests that when plans are being drawn up for such areas “the Garda should be included and have an earlier input” (“Drew Harris calls for more consultation with gardaí over planned international protection accommodation”, News, July 25th).
These preparations and precautions are so eminently sensible – and indeed blatantly obvious – that I had assumed they were already in place. If not, why not? – Yours, etc,
TONY BURKE,
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Dublin 13.
Sir, – It is unfortunate that the first time that most people have heard of the Community Sponsorship Scheme has been when one project hit a glitch (“Malahide homeowner seeking return of house offered to State for refugees”, News, July 28th).
This is not a criticism of The Irish Times, which has provided accurate coverage of refugee issues, but the nature of news.
The Community Sponsorship Scheme has made it possible for some hundreds of human rights defenders from Syria and Afghanistan to escape to safety in Ireland.
This has been organised by hundreds of people donating and raising considerable sums of money and providing support.
This is a complex scheme, transferring the State’s responsibilities to voluntary groups, but in the absence of a strong national refugee protection programme it is the only way that these brave individuals can receive protection in Ireland.
I have personally been lucky enough to get to know very impressive advocates for human rights whose lives have been saved by this scheme.
It is hard to estimate the value of this investment by Ireland in the future of Syria and Afghanistan and our role in promoting human rights in the world.
Let us hope that the current problem in the house in question can be overcome and the scheme can go from strength to strength. – Yours, etc,
ROBIN HANAN,
Bray,
Co Wicklow.