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Strong identification of rationale for coalition & challenge presented by the issue urgency & clarity of the ‘ask’. Diversity of organisations; specialist service providers, strong expertise, experience & national scope. External champions & experts. Evidence base from service provision – not theoretical, but one based on experience. Strong policy document produced with recommendations. Case studies – human experience, strong communications strategy. Multi-faceted approach – legislative, policy, media, lobbying of political representatives. Political engagement & contacts
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Policy engagement from the Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service. Shared analysis from Cosc, which assisted the immigration side of campaign. Shared analysis & approach with other campaigners. Joint committee on Justice, Defence & Equality – submissions made, presentation to Committee hoped for. Immigration, Residence & Protection Bill (if reintroduced) will provide opportunity to push for legislative measures on immigration aspects.
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Member organisations are comparatively small groups with stretched resources. Geographical spread impacts upon coordination of coalition. Data – often anecdotal, difficult to establish scope of issue with official data. Strong legislative and policy analysis on immigration needs & requirements, social protection recommendations of campaign more challenging.
Funding of member organisations in the future will be an issue. Social protection side of the campaign has a cost impact on public finances – can & may make political engagement more difficult in current economic context. Data continues to be an issue, thus making it difficult to establish what the cost to public finances may be. Department of Social Protection – establishing contacts and scope for effecting change in approach. Challenge in relation to the immigration cost of successful applications – refusal from INIS to waive fee.
Workshop E: Domestic Violence Coalition – Immigrant Council of Ireland & Doras Luímni