Cabinet discussion on the need for coherence in immigration policy.

The Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with special responsibility for Human Rights , Liz O' Donnell TD has put the very worrying questions that their incarceration raised on the agenda of the next Cabinet Sub Committee on Asylum and Immigration issues, scheduled for 15 February 2001. "This cabinet sub-committee was established last year to ensure coherence across Departments in asylum and immigration policy."

The Minister said, "The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment operate a hugely successful work permit scheme which enabled more than 18,000 people to enter the country to meet our skills shortage last year. This regrettable incident should not detract from the achievements of that scheme."

Liz O'Donnell, TD said that "The incarceration of the Moldovans was totally inappropriate. I sincerely regret the indignity they suffered and welcome the generous and practical help given to them by the people in Naas and Tallaght and assurances from the Department of Justice that steps are being taken to ensure no repetition of such an event".

Last week when their plight was publicly known the Minister of State, Liz O'Donnell made urgent representations on behalf of the Moldovans to both the Department of Justice and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment expressing concerns at the detention. She praised the humane and prompt response of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment which immediately made new work permits available which in turn enabled the release of the Moldovan workers from Mountjoy.Top