Civil liberties groups voice concerns on ID card Bill

Anti-racism and civil liberties groups have "strong concerns" about plans to make all non-EU nationals carry ID cards containing biometric data.

Philip Watt, director of the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism said he had "strong concerns" on the intended legislation.

"The selective introduction of ID cards could help develop a mindset of 'them and us' between European and non-European and between majority and minority communities."

He said that if the motivation for such measures was security, it was an overreaction.

"It is clear from existing evidence from the gardaí that . . . Ireland does not warrant such a significant development."

A spokeswoman for the Department of Justice would not confirm or deny the reports, but said the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill would be brought to Government "in the near future".

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) said the measures "clearly raise constitutional and other legal issues".

Amy Pearson, communications manager for the ICCL was particularly concerned about reports that the Bill will contain a provision for the revocation of a residency permit from any person suspected of being a security or public order threat.

"Any suggestion that a non-EU citizen might be summarily deported could run counter to constitutional fair procedure guarantees and . . . international human rights law," she said.