The Minister for Justice has asked the chair of the tribunal that makes decisions on asylum applications to ‘act urgently’ after one of its members spoke at a controversial protest in Dublin yesterday.
The protest against the current public health restrictions involved right-wing groups that oppose immigration.
Four people were arrested at the protest – one for breach of the peace, two for public order offences and one for possession of an offensive weapon.
Barrister and Senior Counsel, Una McGurk is speaking. Masks should be a choice not a mandate! pic.twitter.com/R6qqFSIypQ
— HealthFreedomIreland (@HealthFreedomIE) August 22, 2020
Senior Counsel Una McGurk, one of 66 immigration lawyers listed as a part-time member of the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) in its latest annual report, spoke at the rally.
She has since been criticised for supporting an event involving anti-immigration groups.
This afternoon, the Minister for Equality and Integration Roderic O’Gorman said it is “vital that all members of the IPAT are objective in their work and that they are seen to be objective.”
It is vital that all members of the IPAT are objective in their work and that they are seen to be objective. I’ve raised my concerns over yesterday’s protest with Minister McEntee and I’ll be keeping in contact with her about this issue.
— Roderic O’Gorman TD (@rodericogorman) August 23, 2020
Speaking to Newstalk, Sinn Féin justice spokesman Martin Kenny said Ms McGurk's appearance was inappropriate.
“This whole situation where we have groups there, right-wing groups who are denying COVID-19 exists and encouraging people not to wear face masks and to breach all the health guidelines that have been put down is very concerning,” he said.
“And to see somebody who was appointed by the Government on to the International Protection Appeals Tribunal speaking at it is something that, I think, is even more concerning.”
Can I please ask that selfishly unmasked crowds standing shoulder to shoulder protesting and ignoring Covid protective restrictions not use my music as if to suggest I support you in any way. I do not.
— Sinead O'Connor (AKA Shuhada Sadaqat) (@MagdaDavitt77) August 22, 2020
The Social Democrats co-leader and Catherine Martin and former justice minister Alan Shatter have also raised concerns.
Deputy Martin called on the Justice Minister Helen McEntee to establish whether Ms McGurk’s appearance is contrary to the code of governance and ethics required for members of the Tribunal.
“At a time when we need to build solidarity and cohesion in society, the reported comments and appearance at the rally of a government-appointed member of the IPAT tribunal raises serious questions,” she said.
“The Minister for Justice needs to investigate this issue to ensure that confidence in the impartiality of members of this tribunal is maintained.”
'Urgent action'
In a statement, the Department of Justice said IPAT is legally independent of Government; however, Minster McEntee has asked tribunal chair Hilkka Becker to “act urgently on this matter.”
“It is expected that the code of conduct that applies to part time members of the Tribunal will apply,” reads the statement.
“The Minister has statutory powers to remove a part time member of the IPAT but obviously can only act in a considered fashion, following a report from the Tribunal itself.
“The Minister has asked the Chair of IPAT to act urgently on this matter.”
The department said it would not be appropriate to comment further until the tribunal completes its report.
With reporting from Stephen Bourke and Michael Staines
