Latest news with #Nasc
Irish Times
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Removal of oral hearings for asylum seekers ‘could significantly increase risk of incorrect decisions'
Plans to overhaul the international protection (IP) application process could 'significantly' increase the risk of incorrect decisions being made, migration campaigners have warned. The Government is considering a range of proposals aimed at reducing the length of time the State's asylum-seeking process takes. The most contentious proposal is that asylum seekers will no longer have an automatic right to an oral hearing if they appeal a decision. Nasc, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in Cork which supports refugees and migrants, and the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (Masi) have both said they are 'deeply concerned' by the proposed changes . 'Oral hearings are a vital safeguard in ensuring fair and accurate decision-making. These are life-altering decisions, often determining whether someone is granted safety or faces return to a country where they may be at risk,' said Nasc chief executive Fiona Hurley. 'Removing the opportunity to be heard in person significantly increases the risk of incorrect decisions being made.' READ MORE One asylum seeker living in Cork with her husband and two children, who did not want to be named, told The Irish Times that she was very concerned that her family would not be granted an oral hearing to make their case. [ Will dramatic immigration law reforms in Ireland change the number of people seeking asylum? Opens in new window ] The woman said she and her family fled their country after her husband was attacked by criminals who also threatened her and their children. Their initial application to remain in Ireland was denied, but the family is appealing this decision. They are currently waiting to find out if they will be granted an oral hearing. 'It would give us a chance to express ourselves. We could talk about our fears and our story,' she said, adding that they would struggle to do this in a written submission. The family is from a country deemed 'safe' by Irish authorities. However, the woman said the country in question is very dangerous and she fears for their safety. 'We lived there; we know what's happening.' [ Asylum seekers to lose certain rights when appealing international protection refusal under new plans Opens in new window ] People from countries deemed 'safe' may still be granted asylum in Ireland, but they are often subject to an accelerated application process. Lucky Khambule, co-ordinator with Masi, said removing the right to an oral hearing would adversely affect the most vulnerable people. 'When a person comes into the country they need legal guidance to submit a claim. People need time to get information and build a case. People who have [no English] will be left in the dark.' The new draft legislation was brought to Cabinet last month by Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan . The Bill will also give effect in Irish law to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, which will start in 2026. The pact will introduce a wide number of restrictive measures to limit the number of immigrants gaining access to the European Union.
Irish Examiner
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
John Spillane among community heroes honoured at Lord Mayor's awards ceremony
Folk legend John Spillane has been honoured for his remarkable contribution to Cork's cultural life, and migrant support group Nasc has been honoured for its tireless integration work, as the city recognised its civic leaders. Lord Mayor Dan Boyle presented Mr Spillane with the 2025 culture award as he hosted the Lord Mayor's Community and Voluntary awards ceremony in City Hall on Wednesday to recognise the contribution of various individuals or organisations to the life of the city. Among the winners of the six civic awards were Sanctuary Runners founder Graham Clifford for his work promoting solidarity and inclusion through sport. Musician Jimmy Crowley was honoured for his outstanding contribution to the musical landscape of Cork, as a collector and performer of the city's cultural heritage. Joanna Dukkipati was honoured for her commitment to supporting and empowering migrant communities through encouraging cultural expression, while Nora O'Donovan was presented with an award for her advocacy and efforts in championing the rights of older people in Cork. Siobhán O'Dowd was recognised of her long-term contributions to community development, inclusion, lifelong learning and LGBT+ activism in Cork, while environmentalist Maria Young was honoured for her dedication to environmental sustainability and her encouragement to all to work with and interact with nature. Mr Boyle said the civic awards are an opportunity for him to pick just six from the many hundreds he could have chosen, not for any one event or occasion but for a lifetime of dedication and service in the common good. 'And for every six I could have chosen, there could have been 600 others,' he said. We have all been touched or had our lives enriched by the work of one or more of tonight's community award winners and this is the location and occasion to acknowledge and recognise that. He paid special tribute to John Spillane's contribution to the city and to the world of music and culture, for his lifelong contribution to the popularising of the Irish language and the mythology, music and storytelling of Ireland. 'John Spillane is a man at the height of his creativity, energy and enthusiasm,' he said. 'This then is not so much a lifetime achievement award as a 'watch this space' award. 'John has given us so much and has so much left to give and it is only fitting then that we recognise this in a special way this evening.' Mr Boyle presented his 2025 community and voluntary awards to groups in various categories, including: The Mexican Community Cork, in the arts, culture recreation and heritage category, The Save Our Bride Otters campaign group in the climate action, active travel and sustainable development category, The Clogheen Kerry Pike Community Association in the community development and lifelong learning category, Mayfield Men's Shed in the recreation, sport, health and wellbeing category, Cycling for All Cork in the social inclusion, advocacy and integration category, The Hut Youth Project in the social services, charities and environment category. However, he named Nasc as the overall winner of the community and voluntary awards. Council chief executive Valerie O'Sullivan said while the council is an important presence in the community, it is not the sole means for making improvements in the community. 'Your presence tonight is a very important recognition of the fact you, the community, are the activists on the ground that plot and plan how to improve your area,' she said. Read More Cork sports retailer is running to a new location of its own
