Sir - I greatly welcome the contribution of Mr Steven Nestor (December 29th), who is, by his own account, a migrant worker recently returned from Italy.
His first-hand impressions of how the immigration issue has been handled in that country contain insights from which we in Ireland can benefit. He refers the Senegalese community as an example of how immigration, per se, does not lead to social conflict and reasonably points out that this is because of their successful integration.
However, possibly due to his absence, he may not be aware that it is contrary to Irish Government policy to in any way facilitate integration of asylum seekers in mainstream Irish life. To this end asylum seekers are specifically prohibited from joining the workforce; nor are they allowed access to State-sponsored education. A considerable number of people have found themselves in this invidious situation for years.
Excluding so completely any group from society is hardly a recipe for mutual understanding and respect.
He is perfectly correct to point out that ethnically motivated violence should not be tolerated (what a tragedy it would be for Ireland if night-time no-go areas were to develop here!). Asylum seekers, refugees and migrant workers have duties towards, as well as rights of, the host community.
At the same time, I hope he does not mean to imply that this type of violence is acceptable in their respective countries of origin (e.g. ethnic Algerians, ethnic Bosnians or, for that matter, ethnic Irish.)
In conclusion, Mr Nestor's concern that the reputations of previous immigrants should not be sullied is well received. Writing as a happily integrated descendant of a participant in a previous migration to these shores (that of Normans from the Keeston area in Wales), I find the warmth of his protective embrace most reassuring. -Yours, etc.,
Irish Refugee Council, Arran Quay, Dublin 7.