Sir, - The deaths of 58 Chinese people trying to enter England in the back of a container truck was a dreadful tragedy. But before we all agree to wring our hands, condemn the traffickers and then move on, it would be timely to look at how the policies of EU governments (including our own) have contributed to this tragedy.
For a number of years it has been the policy of EU governments to impose heavy fines on any commercial transport companies which bring people into the EU zone without proper visas. This policy penalises the transport company for allowing people to travel without visas and therefore compels employees of the company to check travel documents to ensure people do not travel if their documents are not in order.
At first sight, this may seem a reasonable attempt to reduce the number of asylum-seekers and immigrants entering EU countries. However, the effect of the policy has been to create a market for illegal traffickers.
If this policy was not in place, people who wish to enter an EU country would be able to travel by normal means instead of paying extortionate amounts of money to travel in circumstances of horrendous discomfort and danger. On their arrival, state immigration controls could take place and people without visas could be sent back at this point rather than prevented from travelling in the first place. If they claim asylum, their claim can be processed and, if unsubstantiated, they can be deported in due course. There is no need for the "fortress mentality" which has created barriers at a distance to keep people out.
Critics of such a move will argue that the absence of a carrier sanctions policy will increase the chances of people entering the country illegally. Not so, if the state takes responsibility for operating proper immigration controls. But, in any case, even if a few do escape detection and begin to work as illegal immigrants here, what of it? Our criminal justice system is founded upon the principle that it is better that 100 guilty people go free than one innocent person be condemned. I say that it is better that 100 people enter this country illegally than that one more person should die in the awful circumstances the 58 endured at Dover. -Yours, etc.,
Michele O' Kelly, Granby Hall, Dublin 1.