Topic 4: Hate Crime/Speech By Spring 2020, @DeptJusticeIRL commits to #CERD19 that Ireland's approach to Hate Crime/Speech will be known and then progressed to legislation etc.
@DeptJusticeIRL Topic 4: Hate Crime/Speech #CERD2019 By end of December 2019, @DeptJusticeIRL will release Heads of legislation relating to social media/online platforms and harmful communications (incl. racism). Other law reform initiatives in progress.
@DeptJusticeIRL Topic 4: Hate Crime/Speech #CERD2019 Once all legislative measures are progressed, Ireland will reconsider its interpretive declaration to #CERD 's prohibition on hate speech under Art. 4 @DeptJusticeIRL
@DeptJusticeIRL Topic 5 Policing Issues #CERD2019: Noting broader rights issues regarding Gardai, and acknowledges that hate crime is being underreported to @gardainfo. In due course, to provide online reporting platform (along with noting data issues currently with crime stats)
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo Topic 5 Policing Issues #CERD2019:
@gardainfo states that the force engage proactively with Traveller groups through proactive mutual engagement. Also notes @_IHREC's potential role in requesting action plan if concerned on issues of racialized policing.
@gardainfo states that the force engage proactively with Traveller groups through proactive mutual engagement. Also notes @_IHREC's potential role in requesting action plan if concerned on issues of racialized policing.
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC Topic 5 Policing Issues #CERD2019 Role of @GardaOmbudsman acknowledged. New training on diversity and unconscious bias to be rolled out in 2020 for @gardainfo , along with other online learning tools for Gardai. Notes training of Garda Diversity Officers
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman Topic 6 #DirectProvision #CERD2019 @DeptJusticeIRL notes opt in to EU law irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2018/si/23…. Currently 7.5K people accommodated in #directprovision, with 1.5K in emergency accom.
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman Topic 6 #DirectProvision @DeptJusticeIRL recommitts again to an independent living model, with 50% of persons in #directprovision currently within this independent living model
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman Topic 6 #DirectProvision @DeptJusticeIRL has engaged an NGO (not clear who this is?? anybody) to assist with 50% of emergency accomodation, including 24 hour phoneline to emergency accom providers.
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman Topic 6 #DirectProvision @DeptJusticeIRL the National Standards will be in place by January 2021, and tendering process ongoing.
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman Topic 6 #DirectProvision @DeptJusticeIRL on vulnerability assessment for persons, a revised system will be in place to assess vulnerability. [my note this is a legal obligation NOW...not something that can wait until mid-2020 which is commitment just given to #CERD19]
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman Topic 6 #DirectProvision @DeptJusticeIRL Issue of deaths in DP now being discussed #CERD19 outlining process in Ireland.
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman Topic 6 #DirectProvision @DeptJusticeIRL A cross departmental community group has been recently formed as regards past poor level of communication with communities [Note to self-FOI work of this group]. Justice states DP will expand as new accom centres are necessary
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman Topic 6 #DirectProvision @DeptJusticeIRL now describing the labour market access provisions for persons seeking protection, but no commitment to review or expand access to labour market. @DSGJustEqual provides commitment to Committee that #directprovision will be improved.
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual Topic 7 Various issues #employment @DeptJusticeIRL #CERD19 outlining employment rights architecture for groups within Irish society
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual Topic 7 Various issues #legalaid @DSGJustEqual states that she has suspicion on need for free legal aid reforms as its giving money to lawyers 🤔☹️ and outlines reviews of social welfare decisions (so NO committments on furthering access to justice @flacireland )
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland Topic 7 Various issues #migrantworkers @DeptJusticeIRL notes that au pairs and other persons working in the home are employees @WRC_ie and not cheap/free labour. Notes exception with a person living in the home re recruitment
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie Topic 8: International aspects of rights protection (IARP) IRL will not be ratifying the UN Migrant Workers Convention, 'nevertheless' rights of migrant workers fully respected by Ireland #CERD19 and Ireland has obligs under various other UN rights treaties @DeptJusticeIRL
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie Topic 8 IARP #business and human rights. Irl is committed to supporting responsible business practices at home and abroad. @DeptJusticeIRL refers to estb of implementation of 21 key action points ohchr.org/documents/publ… & dfa.ie/our-role-polic…
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie Topic 8 IARP #business and human rights responding to Qs #CERD19 on @IrishCentreHR submission on coal from Colombia. @DeptJusticeIRL acknowledges this is a very serious issue that Ireland is taking seriously. Notes Ambassador visit to the mine and stakeholder engagement...
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR Topic 8 IARP #business and human rights: mine owners stated they complied with national/international standards. Ambassador recommended efforts to 'improve communications' and engagement with local communities #CERD19
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR Topic 8 IARP #business and human rights: Several follow up visits from Ireland/EU to the mine. Mine will close by 2030. [my note- all this info is not asking questions asked re redress and the mine, environmental damage etc.]
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR Topic 9 Traveller Community : What was effect of recognition of ethnicity for Travellers? @DSGJustEqual states that there is a reframing of how Ireland treats its Traveller citizens, and inclusion strategies - from housing, health, education #CERD19
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR Topic 9 Traveller Community #Housing Traveller specific accom assessments occur at local authority level. State acknowledges the lack of spending of finances. State delegation restating overview provided by Minister yesterday- not really responding to Qs of #CERD19
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR Topic 9 Traveller Community #Housing Some further info on practicalities of housing, but not hearing many real key commitments #CERD19 [tweeting paused for next few mins, follow #CERD19 for continuation of discussion on employment & social protection].
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR And back! #CERD19 Committee member welcomes some encouraging signs on hate crime and hate speech within Ireland. Asks if there is a political will to tackle hate speech for politicians and public officials?
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR #CERD19 Committee asking what current training are provided, what are guarantees of independence of investigation of claims of racial profiling for law enforcement authorities in Ireland? Also notes issue of politicians and public officials engaging in hate speech
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR #CERD19 Issue of Travellers & overrepresentation within the prison population now being discussed by the Committee- and asking for further info from @DeptJusticeIRL on this issue. Committee recommends Ireland take a/c of Gen Recomm of CERD on Hate Speech refworld.org/docid/53f457db…
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR #CERD19 an issue that keeps coming up is data collection and importance of this in tackling racism and discrimination.
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR Now back to the State delegation @DeptJusticeIRL who will seek to provide answers as best they can to emerging these issues #CERD19 (or respond in writing within 24 hours)
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR #CERD19 @DeptJusticeIRL noting @INARIreland Political Protocol on Anti-Racism in the election. @DSGJustEqual mentions @LeoVaradkar's comments condemning a certain Presidential candidate last year.
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR @INARIreland @LeoVaradkar #CERD19 @DSGJustEqual noting the comments of a candidate on travellers and meeting with Traveller representative (names not mentioned but context provided). No mention of the Wexford bye-election candidate on international protection applicants.
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR @INARIreland @LeoVaradkar #CERD19 @DSGJustEqual engaging with Q of reversal of burden of proof with employment issues and racism, and notes difficulties within Irish legal system for this, but commitment provided on at least examining this issue to an extent
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR @INARIreland @LeoVaradkar #CERD19 @DSGJustEqual returns to issue of political hate speech, and the importance to not give oxygen to certain Twitter and Youtube accounts, as sometimes ignoring may be more effective [once again, rightly no names mentioned but Committee has background context on this].
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR @INARIreland @LeoVaradkar Ireland being grilled on #legalaid response (put on the agenda by @eilis_barry so thank you @flacireland- importance of being here in person should not be underestimated). My Draft response for @DSGJustEqual "Ireland now commits to nationalising the legal professions" 😎
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR @INARIreland @LeoVaradkar @eilis_barry Issue of service within licenced facilities, and removal from Equality Trib -now WRC- and placed in District Court, and Committee member correcting the record and asking for clarification and information on this issue #CERD19
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR @INARIreland @LeoVaradkar @eilis_barry Apologies, wifi cutting out for me eek, picking up on #CERD19 committee question on national inclusion strategies for minorities and migrant groups in Ireland, including asylum seekers
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR @INARIreland @LeoVaradkar @eilis_barry Issue of hate speech again arising #CERD19 asking for data on prosecution and sentences for hate crimes in Ireland, as well as educational reforms and school's engaging with histories and cultures of marginalised communities
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR @INARIreland @LeoVaradkar @eilis_barry Response by @DSGJustEqual acknowl she might have peeved off the Chief Justice, lawyers, @flacireland & @eilis_barry on her response on legal aid (😂) (Although i don't think the Dep Sec Gen ideas on legal aid all that different, other than NB financing issues) #CERD19
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR @INARIreland @LeoVaradkar @eilis_barry The Dept of Housing noting that there's no underspend on general housing (in terms of budget given in any year), only on the Traveller accommodation local authority funds #CERD19
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR @INARIreland @LeoVaradkar @eilis_barry The Deputy Sec Gen notes reasoning for moving pub equal status claims to District Court at the time, was that District Court had experience of licensing issues #CERD19
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR @INARIreland @LeoVaradkar @eilis_barry #CERD19 @DeptJusticeIRL having to be a bit careful on some of the 'political participation' questions, but does note five members of the Traveller community in local elections (none elected) and some civil society work on this issue.
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR @INARIreland @LeoVaradkar @eilis_barry #CERD19 @DeptJusticeIRL acknowledging that the civil service is not very reflective of the diverse nature of Irish society today, and @DSGJustEqual acknowledges that more needs to be done.
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR @INARIreland @LeoVaradkar @eilis_barry #CERD19 Rapporteur for Ireland now highlighting some key remaining questions on race and ethnicity, stats, housing, Migrant Workers Convention and asking Ireland to lead the EU on this; habitual residence condition.
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR @INARIreland @LeoVaradkar @eilis_barry #CERD19 Rapporteur now providing closing statement. NB notes that CERD is not a court, and rely on State positive engagement with recommendations of Committee (issuing 13 December!) and to use all legislative and policy means to implement these recomms.
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR @INARIreland @LeoVaradkar @eilis_barry #CERD19 Rapporteur noting some positives, and issues that remain of concern. Calls on Ireland to make Ireland uncomfortable for racists!
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR @INARIreland @LeoVaradkar @eilis_barry And we end with a quote from Haille Selassie from the Rapporteur #CERD19 
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR @INARIreland @LeoVaradkar @eilis_barry And Sec General @DSGJustEqual thanks #CERD19 for their engagement, and states it was a great experience but is glad it is over 😂
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR @INARIreland @LeoVaradkar @eilis_barry personal reflection, comparing @DeptJusticeIRL delegation in 2011 to delegation in 2019 for #CERD19, was very impressed with positive engagement by Justice with Committee. Might disagree (fairly strongly) with State delegation on issues, but this is a world away from the past.
@DeptJusticeIRL @gardainfo @_IHREC @GardaOmbudsman @DSGJustEqual @flacireland @WRC_ie @IrishCentreHR @INARIreland @LeoVaradkar @eilis_barry Lots of work still to do on #CERD19, formalities may be over but the work begins on implementing concluding observations once released on 13 December 2019! And that's me spending a relaxed afternoon in Geneva before flying home tomorrow!
