"Brij chairwoman Deirdre Martin has also called on the Department of Justice to “pause” all deportation orders until the Covid-19 crisis is over"

Lorna Siggins, Irish Examiner 8th April 2020

Cork-based NGO Bridge to Resources, Integration and Justice (BRIJ) has welcomed the provision of 650 extra beds as a first step, but has asked that this been “extended as quickly as possible”, and that “the necessary supports be put in place” for people with limited English and restricted access to existing medical and legal supports.
Brij chairwoman Deirdre Martin has also called on the Department of Justice to “pause” all deportation orders until the Covid-19 crisis is over.
“This is a very anxious time for all of us but it is particularly stressful for asylum seekers who are awaiting a decision in relation to their status,” Ms Martin said.
“Imagine being confined to your room and worrying that you might be served with a deportation order any day,” she said.
“There is a very limited time in order to appeal a deportation order and with the situation the country is in it would be very difficult to cope,”she said.
The Department of Justice said that while the immigration service continues to work, the “matter” is “under constant review and pragmatic and sensitive decisions will be made where required”.
“This approach applies to the deportation process in general, including deportations/removals from the State," it said.
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