Department of equality split urged

A separate department of equality and law reform should be established - with asylum seekers living in poverty a priority, a Fianna Fáil candidate in the forthcoming election has said.

Cllr Maria Corrigan, who is running in the Dublin South constituency, was speaking at a forum at which political parties were invited to give their views on immigration and integration yesterday.

Ms Corrigan said she was "particularly struck" by the suggestion, made by voluntary group Integrating Ireland, which hosted the forum for a department of equality distinct from the Department of Justice.

"I think that could be very beneficial for groups not just concerned with immigration. I agree that could be very beneficial, the establishment of a separate department of equality."

Reacting to calls for "urgent action to redress poverty due to the direct provision system" which provides €19.10 per week to each asylum-seeking adult and €9 per child, she said she knew "buying toys, clothes or comic books, that that's quite difficult" for asylum seekers. She said she would bring the concerns to her party.

Integrating Ireland set out a 10-point plan on how best to achieve an intercultural society. Among the things it calls for are:

• The establishment of a cross-departmental structure led by a minister of state for immigration and integration.

• The development of a long-term integration strategy, recognising barriers such as legal constraints, direct provision and uncertainty about family reunification.

• The promotion and clarification of the rights and responsibilities of migrants.

• The tackling of the poverty traps faced by immigrants.

• The development of an intercultural education strategy.