Immigration, A Fair System That Works for All
Ireland’s international protection system needs reform. The current setup is plagued by delays, unfair treatment, and community frustration. At Sinn Féin, we are committed to creating a system that operates efficiently, treats people fairly, and respects the needs of both applicants and Irish communities. Our plan is rooted in core Irish values: equality, justice, and sovereignty.
We understand migration personally and historically in Ireland; many of us have seen family and friends emigrate due to difficult circumstances. This understanding strengthens our resolve to make our system one that treats people with dignity, handles applications fairly and promptly, and builds public trust.
Key Takeaways
State-Run Accommodation: Shift to a state-run model to ensure quality and end private profiteering in housing for asylum seekers.
Strategic Centre Placement: Locate centres based on available community resources (healthcare, schools) to prevent overburdening specific areas.
Faster Processing: Triple staffing at the International Protection Office to speed up decision times and provide quicker certainty for applicants.
Community Consultation: Implement a structured process for community feedback on new centres, building transparency and local trust.
Human Rights Compliance: Guarantee dignified accommodation with oversight by HIQA and the Children’s Ombudsman.
Fair Treatment for All Applicants: Avoid a two-tier system by standardising supports after the Temporary Protection Directive for Ukrainians ends in 2026.
Irish Sovereignty in Migration Policy: Retain Irish control over migration policies while ensuring human rights and selective EU cooperation.
Challenges in the Current System
Today’s international protection system faces significant hurdles:
- Long Delays & Overwhelmed Resources: Increasing applications and limited staffing have led to wait times exceeding 18 months, leaving applicants in prolonged uncertainty and communities in limbo.
- Unfair Distribution of Centres: Currently, centres are often placed in areas without sufficient resources to support them, burdening certain communities disproportionately.
- Profit-Driven Accommodation: Many of the accommodation providers are private companies profiting from the system, often without adequate regard for the welfare of applicants or the communities where they are based.
- Two-Tier System: Different standards apply to applicants based on their country of origin, with Ukrainians benefiting from the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD), creating inequality among those seeking refuge in Ireland.
Sinn Féin’s reform plan aims to tackle these issues with policies that are fair, transparent, and aligned with our values.
Sinn Féin’s Proposals for Reform
1. Transition to State-Run Accommodation
One of Sinn Féin’s key priorities is to end profiteering in the provision of accommodation for those seeking international protection. Too often, private companies focus on profit over quality, leaving both applicants and communities underserved. By moving towards a state-run model, we can ensure fair, high-quality accommodation that prioritises people over profit.
2. Strategic Location of Centres
Sinn Féin proposes a fairer, needs-based approach to locating accommodation centres. We believe that centres should be placed in areas with the necessary resources and services, such as schools, healthcare, and transport, to support both applicants and the local community. By using economic and social criteria to guide these placements, we can prevent overburdening certain areas and ensure that all communities are set up for success.
3. Increased Staffing for Faster Decisions
The lengthy wait times in our current system are unacceptable. At present, many applicants are left waiting for more than 18 months for a decision on their status. To expedite this process, Sinn Féin proposes tripling the staff at the International Protection Office (IPO) and the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT). With additional resources, the system can work faster and more fairly, giving applicants the clarity and security they need sooner.
4. Community Consultation and Involvement
The impact of new accommodation centres on local communities cannot be ignored. To build trust and foster cooperation, Sinn Féin advocates for a transparent, structured consultation process whenever new centres are established. This approach allows communities to express concerns and receive honest, consistent information, creating a foundation for mutual understanding and respect. Community feedback would be collected through a structured portal operated by the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS), ensuring that community voices are heard and addressed.
5. Human Rights and Dignity at the Core
Sinn Féin believes in a system that respects human rights and treats all applicants with dignity. Every individual should be provided with safe, decent, and private accommodations that meet basic standards. To maintain accountability, Sinn Féin proposes periodic inspections by bodies like the Children’s Ombudsman and HIQA to ensure that standards are met and maintained.
Addressing Temporary Protection for Ukrainians
Transition Plan: The Temporary Protection Directive (TPD), which offers special provisions for Ukrainians fleeing the war, is set to expire in 2026. Sinn Féin supports a clear and compassionate transition plan to prepare for this date, so Ukrainians know their options in advance.
Fairness and Consistency: Sinn Féin advocates for equal treatment of all applicants. While the TPD is a vital measure in the short term, we aim to avoid a two-tier system where certain nationalities receive unequal support. By aligning entitlements under the International Protection Act, we ensure consistency and fairness.
Strengthening Sovereignty in EU Migration Policies
Sinn Féin’s Stance on the EU Pact: Sinn Féin believes that Ireland’s migration policies should primarily serve Irish interests. While the EU’s Migration Pact includes valuable elements, we are committed to maximising Irish sovereignty and only opting into measures that benefit our system.
Human Rights & Compliance: Sinn Féin calls for a robust review of EU migration practices, especially the role of agencies like Frontex, to ensure they respect human rights. Additionally, we support search-and-rescue missions in the Mediterranean to uphold humanitarian standards.
Conclusion
Sinn Féin is committed to reforming Ireland’s international protection system to create a fair, efficient, and humane approach for applicants and Irish communities alike. By ending private profiteering, speeding up processing times, ensuring fair placement of accommodation centres, and fostering greater community involvement, we can build a system that truly works for everyone.
It’s time for a new approach – one that prioritises fairness, respects communities, and upholds Ireland’s tradition of compassion. Join us in supporting these vital reforms to make our international protection system better for all.
