Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Implementing fundamental rights of irregular migrants – towards multi-level governance

On 17 October, I had the honour of representing Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities at a joint meeting of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency and the Committee of the Regions.

While I was disappointed to be missing the 17 October ceremony in Dublin, which I attend annually, it was appropriate to mark the day speaking about one of the most vulnerable groups in our society - irregular migrants.

My speech focused on the role of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities and also on initiatives being taken by Dublin City Council in relation to issues of integration.

There is no doubt that there is a body of work to be done. I referred in my speech to a motion proposed by Cllr Rebecca Moynihan to Dublin City Council in terms of addressing the issue of regularising the position of undocumented or irregular migrants.

Click on link below for full text of speech.