Sinn Féin addresses Integrating Ireland Conference -Doolan
Published: 27 April, 2007
As we face a general election Integrating Ireland has organised a
pre-election conference. Sinn Féin's Dublin South East election candidate,
Councillor Daithí Doolan, will address the conference and outline Sinn
Féin's proposals regarding immigration, integration, discrimination and
human rights.
Speaking from the conference at the Central Hotel this morning, Dublin,
Cllr. Doolan said:
"Sinn Féin is an anti racist party committed to ensuring integration takes
place in our growing multicultural society. "
Cllr. Doolan explains, "the current government, and in particular Minister
for Justice, Equality & Law Reform Michael McDowell, continue to mishandle
the process for asylum seekers and economic migrants. In the system he
control's there is unacceptable back logs, a process that lacks
transparency, and no comprehensive data or research on immigration or
integration.
Sinn Féin believes interculturalism and integration is good for our society.
In government Sinn Féin intends to establish a cross departmental structure
to coordinate work on Immigration and Integration, similar to the office of
Minister of Children. This structure would develop a clear, nationally
agreed strategy adequately funded and resourced. "
Cllr. Doolan continued
"Certain parties may attempt to play the race card in the forthcoming
elections. This must be avoided and challenged at all times. A clear message
must come from today's meeting that there is no place for racism in Irish
politics. The real issues concerning our communities are lack of social &
affordable housing, a two tier health care system and the real threat to our
environment. Any attempt to blame our immigrant communities for any of these
problems is clearly misplaced. The blame for failing public services lies
firmly at the door of this government."
In conclusion Cllr. Doolan, called on, "all candidates and political parties
to sign the Anti Racist Protocol and ensure racism and bigotry is reduced to
the bin of Irish politics."
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