Sir, - The new Irish representative of UNHCR, Hope Hanlan, is right when she speaks of Ireland having a "unique opportunity" and being "at a crossroads", but is wrong in her interpretation.
We are at a crossroads. We can make a mistake and go down the road towards multi-racialism and multiculturalism on which other countries have been led by the failure of their governments to protect their citizens' interests, or we can rigorously safeguard the essentially homogeneous society we have had. No country, I am convinced, which has gone down the multi-racial, multicultural road would not turn back the clock if it could. No one of them would not envy us our position and not consider us insane to give it up.
The most urgent matter to be addressed in this context is to amend our Nationality and Citizenship Act. At present, a child born to an asylum-seeker whose case is being processed, or to an illegal immigrant is an Irish citizen and its parents, cannot be deported. I rang the British and German Embassies and ascertained that they are not in this crazy position. I know from recent reading of the French press that neither is France. We must be the laughing-stock of Europe and a magnet for the Third World.
It is the worldwide experience that refused asylum-seekers are rarely deported, but remain on illegally (Independent on Sunday, July 14th, 1996: Le Monde, August 1st, 1997). We must deport all rejected asylum-seekers. Further, the public should know that asylum may be revoked from someone if the circumstances in their home country which qualified them for asylum have changed (Geneva Convention Article 1(c) (5) and Refugee Act 1996 Section 2(1)(e)).
There must be very few, if any, of the Zaireans who got asylum in the last few years to whom this does not apply, now that Mobutu's regime has fallen. It should be implemented in that and similar situations.
Indeed, I recollect clearly that the last group of Bosnians were accepted by Dick Spring on the understandings that their stay would be temporary. What has he got to say on that matter, now, I wonder? The Germans, I understand, have moved to return their Bosnian refugees.
Because of the worldwide experience I mentioned, the Government is absolutely right to put a great emphasis on checks at point of entry. Its efforts in this matter are greatly appreciated but the further action I have flagged, and many others, must not be shirked. Our future social cohesion depends on it. - Yours, etc.,
From Aine Ni ChonaillRosscarbery, Co Cork.