A Dublin mother yesterday disrupted a European forum to challenge Minister for Justice Michael McDowell over the deportation of non-national parents of Irish-born children.
The Minister had been speaking at the National Forum on Europe on freedom, security and justice in relation to the European Constitution. The Dublin meeting was open to members of the forum and special interest groups.
As chairman Senator Maurice Hayes was making closing remarks Kathleen O'Donohue, speaking from the back of the hall, challenged the Minister.
"Mr McDowell you speak of Irish democracy and freedom,security and justice. Where is the justice when a child is forcibly separated from their parents? Where is the security for this Irish-born citizen separated from their parents? Where is the freedom when parents are waiting in doubt for their application to stay?" She then tore the Minister's speech into pieces and threw them in the air, saying that that was what was happening to Irish families. She then left.
Outside, she said her five-year-old daughter's father had returned to his native New Zealand. She had met her partner, an IT professional, while working in New Zealand. They came back to Ireland where her daughter was born in Dublin. He could not apply for work under the immigration laws.
He applied to stay but was waiting every minute for a knock on the door to be deported. The strain was too much and he left, she said.
As the Minister left St Patrick's Hall, in Dublin Castle, he stopped and spoke to Ms O'Donohue. She told him the facts of her case. Mr McDowell said if her partner wanted to visit he could apply for a visa. He gave Ms O'Donohue his secretary's card so that she could contact her.