POPULARITY
The unprecedented increase in the numbers of people coming to Ireland seeking International Protection due to war or oppression in their homeland put serious pressure on State resources since 2023. The new Government has signalled a tougher approach to the issue, and has claimed some success. Are their reforms working, and is the tougher messaging appropriate? Hugh is joined by Colm Brophy TD, Minister of State for Migration, Madeleine Allen, policy and advocacy officer with the Irish Refugee Council, and Irish Times political correspondent Harry McGee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan will bring the General Scheme of the International Protection Bill to Cabinet today to speed up asylum applications - including a three-month time limit for decisions We get reaction to the plans from Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council and also Cathal Malone, Immigration lawyer and Head of Legal Research at Thomas Coughlan & Co Solicitors.
Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan will bring the General Scheme of the International Protection Bill to Cabinet today to speed up asylum applications - including a three-month time limit for decisions We get reaction to the plans from Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council and also Cathal Malone, Immigration lawyer and Head of Legal Research at Thomas Coughlan & Co Solicitors.
Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, responds to the opinion of the European Court of Justice's Advocate General that Ireland must provide adequate accommodation for asylum seekers.
Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council discusses the decision to move some asylum seekers from CityWest accomodation - meaning they'll now sleep rough.
A new report by the Irish Refugee Council recorded volunteers' experiences supporting homeless asylum seekers. With Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council.
To talk about the Taoiseach's weekend comments linking people seeking international protection here to homelessness, we hear from Nick Henderson, The Irish Refugee Council's and spokesperson for Mount Street Residents and Business Association, Kevin Byrne.
Ailbhe Connelly, Social Affairs Correspondent, reports on a course which helps asylum seekers and refugees advocate for themselves.
Tents sheltering 15 asylum seekers were attacked on City Quay in Dublin last night. We hear from volunteer named Grainne who has been involved with a group of other volunteers helping other international protection applicants and get reaction from CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, Nick Henderson.
Yesterday, more tents housing migrants were dismantled near Charlemont Luas stop in Dublin city centre. Dáil breaks today for its summer recess and still no long-term solution to the issue has been put in place. Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council discusses this further.
Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council speaks to us
Nick Henderson, chief executive officer of the Irish Refugee Council, discusses homelessness among asylum seekers as Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission takes Irish State to court.
Conor Feehan, Reporter with The Irish Independent // Oliva Headon, Volunteer // Jim O'Callaghan, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Bay South // Nick Henderson is the chief executive of the Irish Refugee Council
Nick Henderson, Chief Executive of the Irish Refugee Council, reacts to the latest claims from UK and Irish Governments regarding asylum seekers.
Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, on today's vote in the European Parliament on the EU's Migration and Asylum Pact.
Green Party TD and Minister for Intgration, Roderic O'Gorman. CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, Nick Henderson. Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore.
The Government has confirmed the location of almost 2,000 beds for Ukrainian refugees across five different locations around the country. This comes as new rules around social welfare and accommodation kick in from this morning. To discuss further with Shane was Nick Henderson is CEO of the Irish Refugee Council and Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire is a Sinn Féin TD and spokesperson on social protection.
The Government has confirmed the location of almost 2,000 beds for Ukrainian refugees across five different locations around the country. This comes as new rules around social welfare and accommodation kick in from this morning. To discuss further with Shane was Nick Henderson is CEO of the Irish Refugee Council and Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire is a Sinn Féin TD and spokesperson on social protection.
There are concerns Asylum Seekers sleeping in tents in a makeshift camp in Dublin.Kitty Holland - Social Affairs Correspondent with The Irish Times and Nick Henderson - CEO of the Irish Refugee Council.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Conditions at a makeshift camp in Dubin city where up to 200 International Protections Applicants are sleeping in tents are deteriorating. Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, Jennifer Whitmore, Social Democrats TD and Janet Horner, Green Party Councillor for North Inner City discuss.
Nick Henderson, Chief Executive of the Irish Refugee Council, reacts to the decision by the Department of Integration not to extend short-term emergency accommodation for asylum seekers sleeping rough.
Amidst the snow, sludge and rain, many of those without accommodation have been forced to brave the weather in their tents today. The Irish Refugee Council shared images of "terrible and distressing conditions" at the International Protection Office this morning. Anton was joined by CEO of The Irish Refugee Council Nick Henderson… Images: The Irish Refugee Council
We hear from Nick Henderson is CEO of the Irish Refugee Council
Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council speaks to us about the situation
Two countries are to be added to Ireland's list of "safe countries", under a plan brought to Cabinet today by the Justice Minister Helen McEntee. The countries are Algeria and Botswana , Jim O Callaghan, FF Justice Spokesperson & Nick Henderson, CEO Irish Refugee Council.
Nick Henderson, Chief Executive of the Irish Refugee Council, explains why he has concerns for asylum seekers if the list of designated 'safe countries' is expanded.
The UN Refugee Agency has urged those objecting to providing shelter for asylum seekers to reflect on the consequences of their actions. This plea comes as the count of new International Protection Applicants without government-provided housing has reached an all-time high. Nick Henderson the CEO of the Irish Refugee Council spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.
The UN Refugee Agency has urged those objecting to providing shelter for asylum seekers to reflect on the consequences of their actions. This plea comes as the count of new International Protection Applicants without government-provided housing has reached an all-time high. Nick Henderson the CEO of the Irish Refugee Council spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning.
Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council
Locals in Ballinrobe Co Mayo have been protesting all weekend over proposals to house 50 asylum seekers in a disused hotel from today. There is confusion over whether the plan has been shelved. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Padraig is a protestor in the area. Also Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council.
Locals in Ballinrobe Co Mayo have been protesting all weekend over proposals to house 50 asylum seekers in a disused hotel from today. There is confusion over whether the plan has been shelved. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Padraig is a protestor in the area. Also Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council.
John Fallon, Media West Ireland // Thomas Welby, Independent Councillor on Galway County Council // Catherine Connolly, Independent TD for Galway West // Nick Henderson, Irish Refugee Council
Kieran Dineen speaks to asylum seekers who have recently arrived in Ireland while Nick Henderson, Chief Executive of the Irish Refugee Council, urges the government to get all currently unhoused asylum seekers into State accommodation before Christmas.
Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council
The Irish Refugee Council has launched its Christmas appeal ‘Stand with hope and dignity this winter' Joining Shane to chat about their campaign was Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council.
The Irish Refugee Council has launched its Christmas appeal ‘Stand with hope and dignity this winter' Joining Shane to chat about their campaign was Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council.
Once again the State has run out of places to put asylum seekers. Those newly arriving face the prospect of sleeping rough as temperatures fall and with tensions high after recent riots. Nick Henderson of the Irish Refugee Council explains how we got here, how the system could never keep up with the pace of arrivals and why help from the Defence Forces may be needed to handle the crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nick Henderson, CEO Irish Refugee Council and Tanya Ward, Children's Rights Alliance Chief Executive.
The Government could run out of accommodation for asylum seekers as soon as this week. That's according to reports across the papers this morning. Ciara spoke to Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council.
The Government could run out of accommodation for asylum seekers as soon as this week. That's according to reports across the papers this morning. Ciara spoke to Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council.
Nick Henderson, Irish Refugee Council reacts to reports that Ukrainian refugees could loose state provided accommodation if they travel.
“While there is no limit on the compassion of the Irish Government and the Irish people, there is a limit on our capacity and we are very much at that,” - so said Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in the Dáil yesterday. Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council gave his reaction to these comments.
“While there is no limit on the compassion of the Irish Government and the Irish people, there is a limit on our capacity and we are very much at that,” - so said Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in the Dáil yesterday. Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council gave his reaction to these comments.
On Monday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by John Lannon, CEO of Doras and Bulelani Mfaco MASI Spokesperson to discuss The Irish Refugee Council, calling for people in direct provision to be given child benefit. Currently adults are entitled to 38 euro 80 cent per week and 29 euro 80 per child. However, they are not entitled to the 140 euro monthly child benefit payment. A new survey published by the refugee council has found nearly 90 per cent of those in the system find the daily allowance isn't enough to cover basic needs. Those in the system are entitled to food and shared accommodation in centers, and access to education and healthcare. Picture (c) by Getty Images via Canva
A resident of a Clare Direct Provision Centre claims parents in the international protection system have been placed in financial hardship by the government. It comes as a new study has found almost 90% of parents living in Direct Provision feel their daily allowance isn't sufficient to cover basic needs. The Irish Refugee Council's new report, which has been funded by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, highlights that those living in Direct Provision aren't immune to the cost-of-living crisis. At present, each adult in the system is entitled to a weekly allowance for personal or incidental expenses of €38.80, while this is €29.80 per week for a child. However, the report states that 88% of parents feel this isn't enough to fund essential expenses such as food and healthcare. Knockalisheen Direct Provision Centre resident and spokesperson for the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland, Bulelani Mfaco, says parents in the international protection system are under a high level of stress due to not being able to meet even the most basic of costs. The current rate of child benefit is €140 per month and pre-Budget speculation has suggested there could be a double-payment before Christmas. As parents in Direct Provision aren't eligible for the payment, the Irish Refugee Council is calling for this to be rectified. Doras CEO John Lannon says the welfare system isn't equitable if it doesn't support everyone in need of assistance.
Child Benefits should be extended to children in the international protection process. That's the call from The Irish Refugee Council, who have today published their Budget 2024 submission. Speaking to Shane on Newstalk Breakfast was Nick Henderson their CEO.
Child Benefits should be extended to children in the international protection process. That's the call from The Irish Refugee Council, who have today published their Budget 2024 submission. Speaking to Shane on Newstalk Breakfast was Nick Henderson their CEO.
Almost 100,000 people have come to Ireland over the past year most of them fleeing the war in Ukraine. They also bring skills with them but may often need some sort of retraining in order to fill the glaring vacancies that many employers have in this economy. The online marketplace giant eBay is working with the Irish Refugee Council to help with interview skills as well as providing more mundane items such as nappies and kids' toys. Speaking to Joe this morning Siobhan Curtin is eBay Ireland's Director.
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Reboot Republic, Rory talks to the remarkable Mavis Ramazani, about her personal experiences and her innovative work of empowering refugees and asylum seekers in Ireland. Mavis is a pioneer for empowering refugees, particularly women, a campaigner with MASI (Movement of Aslyum Seekers in Ireland), a Sheroes Global Award winner (2022), and she works for the Irish Refugee Council. She explains the reality of living in Direct Provision, trauma that refugees experience, and the need for trauma informed service provision, and what that should look like. She explains how empowerment and integration can be done through the prism of food, providing self cooking facilities, and she outlines the initiative she has set up – Cooking for Freedom. An incredible and powerful story with positive suggestions for how we can build an inclusive Ireland, from the grassroots. To help out contact Cooking for Freedom http://cookingforfreedom.ie/ The Podcast with Pádraic Fogarty is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-86576407
Today on the show - Nick Henderson of the Irish Refugee Council helped us mark World Refugee day, former Cllr Frank Godfrey told us why the traders in Drogheda are waging a war on the growing seagull population in the town and Women's Aid told us that they received a record number of calls for help to their services over the past 12 months Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nick Henderson, CEO Irish Refugee Council, discusses new report highlighting the impact of homelessness on people seeking protection.
Richie is joined by David Vance and Jana Lunden. Broadcast journalist and political commentator David Vance came on to discuss claims by the Irish Refugee Council that homeless asylum seekers are coming under attack from Ireland's far right. Does Ireland even have a far right? David also analyses Ireland's impending new hate speech law and how it might affect the independent media's freedom to report on controversial stories.www.davidvance.netJana Lunden is the founder of the Natural Women's Council of Ireland. She is an advocate for children's rights and a staunch opponent of the Irish government's plans to teach transgender ideology and queer theory to children as young as four years-old. Last week, Jana was attaked by a trans activist while giving a speech in Dublin.Twitter: @jklunden
Emergency accommodation to come on stream following a weekend of anti-immigration protests. To get a reaction to the protests over the weekend Anton spoke to Eimer McAuley News Reporter with the Journal.ie, Ivana Bacik Labour Leader and TD for Dublin Bay South, and Nick Henderson CEO of the Irish Refugee Council.
Chief Executive of the Irish Refugee Council, Nick Henderson.
Joining Gavan On the Record to run through the top stories from the Sunday papers is Deputy Political Editor with the Irish and Sunday Independent, Hugh O'Connell & journalist and author, Valerie Cox. Also joining Gavan to discuss the burning of refugee tents in Dublin City on Friday night is Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council.
Katie Mannion, solicitor with the Irish Refugee Council on case of young refugee who sought international protection in Ireland in February
Mabel Thew has an upcoming slot in The Variety Show at Fibber's in aid of the Irish Refugee Council, and tells Louise all about it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aisling Moloney speaks to Abdul from Algeria who has been homeless since arriving in Ireland in February; Nick Henderson, CEO Irish Refugee Council, discusses the work they did last year.
We talk to Nick Henderson, Chief Executive of the Irish Refugee Council.
Pat Leahy, Retired Assistant Garda Commissioner for the Dublin Metropolitan Area, Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, Cllr Vincent Jackson, Independent Councillor for Ballyfermot/Drimnagh
Has Leo Varadkar admitted that the government's strategy to house refugees has failed? Pat discusses with Nick Henderson, Chief Executive of the Irish Refugee Council.
Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, describes the conditions in which children and their families are living, at the Citywest Transit hub in Dublin.
Yesterday, Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe spoke to Clare FM refugee crisis, and how Clare, as a county was coping. Cathal Crowe TD and Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council joined Kieran on the show to discuss...
Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, discusses the temporary closure of the Citywest Transit Hub for new arrivals into Ireland.
Gerry Callaghan, Chairperson of New Horizons, Athlone & Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council
Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, discusses a new report on the 'accommodation crisis' for asylum seekers.
Jerry speaks to Nick Henderson who is the CEO of the Irish Refugee Council regarding the type of accommodation being provided for refugees and asylum seekers – including people living in the Johnston Marina area of Tralee.
Nick Henderson, CEO Irish Refugee Council speaks to us about the difficulties in securing accommodation
Nick Henderson, CEO Irish Refugee Council speaks to us about the difficulties in securing accommodation
Nick Henderson, CEO Irish Refugee Council
Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, discusses the current situation with accommodation for Ukrainian refugees
CEO Irish Refugee Council, Nick Henderson & Kerri Price, Limerick woman who lives in Berlin and is affected by refugee visa issue
Refugees travelling here from 20 safe European countries will from tomorrow be required to hold visas under a change agreed by Government yesterday. The move tightens immigration rules here amid an accommodation shortage for refugees. Nick Henderson is the CEO of the Irish Refugee Council
Refugees travelling here from 20 safe European countries will from tomorrow be required to hold visas under a change agreed by Government yesterday. The move tightens immigration rules here amid an accommodation shortage for refugees. Nick Henderson is the CEO of the Irish Refugee Council
Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council & Angie Gough of Helping Irish Hosts.
Justin speaks to Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, about the standard of accommodation being provided to asylum seekers.
Nick Henderson - CEO, Irish Refugee Council; Joe O'Brien, Green Party TD for Dublin Fingal; Kathleen Funchion, Sinn Fein TD for Carlow-Kilkenny; Duncan Smyth, Labour Party TD for Dublin Fingal
We hear from Dr Lorcan Sirr Senior Lecturer in housing, planning and development at the Technological University Dublin and a board member of the Irish Refugee Council. We also speak to our Political Correspondent Paul Cunningham.
Nick Henderson, Chief Executive of the Irish Refugee Council, discusses concerns that Ireland is running out of space to house people fleeing Ukraine
Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, on the challenge the Irish GOvernmnet faces as refugees continue to arrive from Ukraine.
The Irish people have reacted with incredible generosity to the war in Ukraine. But after the pledges of support we need real action. Joining Rory and Tony to discuss how we can house the people fleeing war and those already stuck in our refugee system is Housing Lecturer with TUD and member of the Irish Refugee Council, Dr Lorcan Sirr. We discuss the capacity in our holiday home, Air BnB and vacant property stock and how it could be utilised. Lorcan talks about the need for wrap-around supports and how we can use this difficult time to improve the lives of people who come here and our overall housing system. Tickets for our Live Easter Bank Holiday Show are on sale now at eventbrite.ie Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack
Helen Donohue reports that a special telephone hotline is being set up in Ukrainian by the Irish Refugee Council to help those who are coming to Ireland.
Nick Henderson, CEO Irish Refugee Council; Damien English, Minister of State for Business, Employment & Retail and Fine Gael TD for Meath West; Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central; Gerard Craughwell, Independent Senator for the Labour Panel; and Catherine Connolly, Independent TD for Galway West
Independent MEP Luke Ming Flanagan outlined why he supported the Resolution against Russian aggression, Nick Henderson of the Irish Refugee Council spoke about the influx of Ukrainian refugees expected in Ireland and Sean Defoe our Political Editor on Alan Kelly's resignation as leader of the Labour Party and who might replace him. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, on Government plans to close 24 emergency accommodation asylum centres by the end of the year, as part of wider commitments to end Direct Provision by 2024.
A panel discussion as part of the 'Trinity and the Changing City' Series in partnership with Trinity Long Room Hub. For centuries, religions travelled with people who moved across the globe – in search of work, food, safety or freedom. But religion also moves people: literally, when going on pilgrimages and mission; and emotionally, when religion provides an anchor for building a new life, or when it triggers emotions of hate and hostility. Astonishingly, research on migration to Europe has long underestimated religion as a factor. The expectation was that people and their religions would soon “go home” again; notions of Europe as a Christian occident or a homogenous culture where religion is a private matter had to be challenged in many ways. This evening focuses on how we as a society respond to the increased mobility and the pluralisation of worldviews we witness. We want to face the challenge, on one hand, not to “religionise” migration and the people and conflicts that may be involved but yet, on the other hand, include religion as an important element of cultures and identities that come together in a fast-changing world. About the Speakers Dr Peter J. Bräunlein has done extensive fieldwork on cultures of pain and Christian rituals that connect Europe and the Philippines; he was the curator of the University Museum of Religions in Marburg, Germany and specialises in questions of religion and media, expositions and the uncertainties of modernity. He will speak about the project ‘The Materiality of (Forced) Migration' in Göttingen where he explores migration through the lens of “things” that people carry, lose or find. Through this lens – the emotional and practical connection people have with their objects – Peter will shed light on the role that religion plays for some who made the long journey to Europe. materialitaet-migration.de… As a political scientist, Dr Gizem Arikan was trained in Turkey and the USA. She focuses on political psychology in a comparative perspective and is interested in how people's religiosity and political behaviour interact. For our evening, Gizem will shift the perspective: from the migrating people to the societies where they arrive. Not only does the experience of Muslim migrants shape their democratic norms; also, their identity affects the political attitudes of the majority population. blogs.lse.ac.uk… Rory O'Neill will share his experiences in his work as Integration Projects Manager for the Irish Refugee Council and how he encounters religion both as a resource and a marker of distinction. As a photographer and an anthropologist he documented the Direct Provision system and the issues people face when they try and enter the housing market and seek employment and an independent life. Rather unexpectedly, Rory works a lot with inter-faith groups and religious institutions and will talk about their role in the integration process. www.irishrefugeecouncil.ie… Satwinder Singh is a researcher and community activist who not only shares the experience of many who moved to Ireland and enrich the religious landscape of Dublin, but also holds a degree in anthropology from the Dublin Institute of Technology and studied the Dublin-based Sikh community he is part of. His work at the Centre for Socially Engaged Practice-Based Research developed insights into the history of the Sikh community and the diverse strategies developed by its members when finding their place in Irish society and coping with the challenges this includes. arrow.tudublin.ie…
Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, our reporter Cónal Thomas, as well as Ola Mustapha, who lives in Direct Provision, join us on this week's episode to explore the new plan to bring the current regime of Direct Provision to an end by 2024. What are conditions like current, and how feasible is the new plan?
jQuery(document).ready(function(){ cab.clickify(); }); Original Podcast with clickable words https://tinyurl.com/ybj2xxwk End of extension of the Direct Procurement system. Deireadh le cur leis an gcóras Soláthair Dhírigh. The Government is to end the Direct Provision system in place in the country and replace it with a new system of international protection for asylum seekers. Tá an Rialtas le deireadh a chur leis an gcóras Soláthair Dhírigh atá i bhfeidhm sa tír agus cuirfear corás nua a thabharfaidh cosaint idirnáisiúnta do lucht iarrtha tearmainn i bhfeidhm ina áit. It is intended to make the transition between now and 2024. Tá sé i gceist an t-athrú a dhéanamh idir seo agus 2024. Under the plans, it is planned to close all direct supply centers in the country by the end of 2024. Faoi na pleananna, tá sé i gceist gach ionad soláthair dhírigh sa tír a dhúnadh faoi dheireadh na bliana 2024. The Direct Provision system was established over 20 years ago to provide a safe haven for asylum seekers entering the State in search of international protection. Bunaíodh an córas Soláthair Dhírigh breis is 20 bliain ó shin chun áit shábháilte a thabhairt do lucht iarrtha tearmainn a bhí ag teacht isteach sa Stát agus iad sa tóir ar chosaint idirnáisiúnta. The system has been criticized by human rights organizations, charities and those in the system themselves. Tá an córas cáinte ag eagraíochtaí cearta daonna, carthanachtaí agus iad siúd atá sa chóras iad féin. The Irish Refugee Council has welcomed the news. Tá fáilte curtha ag Comhairle Dídeanaithe na hÉireann roimh an scéil.
Thursday, 18 February 2021, 7 – 8pm A panel discussion as part of the 'Trinity and the Changing City' Series in partnership with Trinity Long Room Hub. This panel discussion will focus on the artistic representation of refugees and direct provision. It will include as speakers Vukasin Nedeljkovic, Dr Bisi Adigun, Bulelani Mfaco, and Dr Roja Fazaeli. Vukasin Nedeljkovic compiled an archive of photographs while in direct provision and afterwards to document the conditions in Direct Provision. Vukasin Nedeljkovic holds a Masters in Visual Arts Practice at Dun Laoghaire Institute of Arts, Design and Technology. He will present images from his archive. Dr Bisi Adigun (adjunct lecturer in drama, TCD and Senior Lecturer in Bowen University, Iwo Nigeria) will speak about his work with Arambe Theatre Company in bringing awareness of African immigrant experiences to Irish audiences through his work as a director and writer. His adaptation, co-written with Roddy Doyle, of a Nigerian Playboy of the Western World, was presented at the Abbey Theatre. Bulelani Mfaco is a South African refugee who has spent several years in Direct Provision in Ireland after receiving a Masters degree from UCD. He has been a representative for MASI, the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland, on the government's expert group tasked with reforming direct provision. Dr Roja Fazaeli (Middle Eastern Studies, TCD) will speak about her work with refugees and the importance of TCD to become a university of sanctuary. Dr Fazaeli has served on the boards of Amnesty International, the Irish Refugee Council, and the Irish Immigrant Council. Steve Wilmer (Professor Emeritus in Drama, TCD) will chair the panel. Trinity and the Changing City is organised by the Identities in Transformation research theme, led by Daniel Faas, Department of Sociology, and is supported by the Trinity Long Room Hub Arts and Humanities Research Institute.
Independent TD Mattie McGrath has revealed he received a death threat after he proposed legislation which would regulate sulky racing.Mr McGrath said he was approached by an individual in his hometown of Clonmel, Tipperary and told he would be shot in Dublin over his plans to regulate the horse racing activity which is popular among the Travelling community. Speaking on the Floating Voter podcast, Mr McGrath said: “I was threatened on April 10, 2017 that I would be shot in Dublin for trying to stop the fun with this regulation.”“I was surrounded by four individuals in Clonmel outside a shop. I made a statement to gardai and so did my daughter who was in the car with me and they told me I would be shot in Dublin, by the big boys in Dublin,” he added. The Tipperary TD said sulky racing is a “huge problem” in Clonmel where he claims “three and four year olds” are sometimes seen “hanging off” off horse drawn carts.“They block up roads four abreast and terrorise people going home from work and everybody is afraid of their life of them,” he said“You can't say boo or you're a racist (and) that's the problem in this country, you can't criticise them because they have ethnic status which I opposed,” he added. Mr McGrath insisted he was “not a racist” and added that some of his “best friends” are travellers. Separately, he defended comments about Nigerians living in Ireland made by Independent TD Noel Grealish in the Dail.“I ain't no racist and if you cant' ask a question in the Dail it's very sad,” Mr McGrath said.Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has asked Mr Grealish to clarify claims that €3.4bn had been sent to Nigeria in eight years.Mr Donohoe said the Galway West TD was given Central Statistic Office (CSO) figures which showed around €17m a year is sent to Nigeria before he made his controversial comments.“The Taoiseach provided you with figures from the Central Statistics Office, in a Parliamentary Question reply dated 22 October 2019 and there are procedures in place to allow you to challenge these figures if you consider that they were misleading,” Mr Donohoe wrote.“I am disappointed with the apparent ethnic basis of your statements and would welcome any steps that you would be willing to take to clarify on this aspect. It is inappropriate to single out one country in absence of evidence of wrong-doing,” he added. On this podcast, Mr McGrath produced what he claimed was a document from the Irish Refugee Council which he said supported Mr Grealish's comments. The Irish Refugee Council told Independent.ie the document was not from their organisation but said they have used some of the statistics before. The council also said there was a lot of “spin” in the document.
Last month, a woman who died in Direct Provision was quietly buried by the State without ceremony. Sylva Tukula, originally from South Africa, died in August 2018. All efforts by gardaí to find her next of kin, a process with included with assistance of Interpol, had been exhausted. Friends and colleagues of Tukula had previously been told they would be notified of arrangements for her burial. This did not happen. In this week's episode of The Explainer, we examine the chain of events that led to this situation. We're joined in studio by TheJournal.ie reporter Cónal Thomas, who broke many details of the story surrounding Tukula's death last week, and Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, to discuss the timeline leading to the burial, the current scale of the Direct Provision system in Ireland, as well as how deaths are currently recorded in Direct Provision.
Ruling by the Supreme Court which says the Asylum seekers' work ban is unconstitutional.