Open letter: Regularisation of undocumented children, young people and workers must form part of the next Programme for Government
Dear Sir,
Now more than ever, the COVID-19 Pandemic has shown us that we are dependent on each other.
Undocumented workers have stepped up and continue to work providing essential services in this crisis. They are working in sectors where Ireland needs workers right now – in elder-care, healthcare, retail, cleaning, food processing, agriculture and fishing.
There is broad based support for the regularisation of undocumented people – from the public, business, civil society, and across all major political parties in Ireland.
As we face the uncertainty of Covid-19 together, we are all contributing where we can. Undocumented people are no different, yet they remain on the margins.
Providing a pathway for children, young people, and workers who are ‘undocumented’ to regularise their status must now form part of new Programme for Government.
Yours Sincerely,
- Patrick Connolly, CEO, Age Action
- Liam O’Sullivan, CEO, Care Alliance Ireland
- Ian Talbot, CEO, Chambers Ireland
- Tanya Ward, CEO, Children Rights Alliance
- Ann Irwin, National Co-ordinator, Community Work Ireland
- John Lannon, Director, Doras
- John Dunne, CEO, Family Carers Ireland
- Brian Killoran, CEO, Immigrant Council of Ireland
- Patricia King, General Secretary, Irish Congress of Trade Unions
- Liam Herrick, CEO, Irish Council for Civil Liberties
- Shane O’Curry, Director, Irish Network Against Racism
- Nick Henderson, CEO, Irish Refugee Council
- Tjanasi Potso, Chair, Justice for Undocumented
- John Douglas, General Secretary, Mandate Trade Union
- Edel McGinley, Director, Migrant Rights Centre Ireland
- Bulelani Mfaco, Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland
- Fiona Finn, CEO, Nasc, the Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre
- Orla O’Connor, Director, National Women’s Council of Ireland
- Mary Cunningham, CEO, National Youth Council of Ireland
- Adrian Cummins, CEO, Restaurant Association of Ireland
- Ethel Buckley, Deputy General Secretary, SIPTU
- Lorna Fitzpatrick, President, Union of Students in Ireland
*ENDS
