Mission statement of NASC 

NASC, the Irish Immigrant Support Centre, is a Cork-based non-Governmental organisation which seeks to respond to the needs of the growing number of immigrants in the Munster area. Taking its name from the Irish word nasc (meaning link) the Centre represents a link between Cork's immigrant community and Cork's voluntary and statutory services. The Centre provides information on accommodation, welfare entitlements, education and training; it also provides English classes and interpretative services. The Centre serves as a social space where people can meet, exchange information and break down cultural and linguistic barriers. 

The Centre is based in the city centre and is easily accessible by foot and public transport. It provides refreshments and a welcoming atmosphere to anybody who uses it. 

The Centre recognises the need for a central service which can act as an information provider to immigrants and to the people of Cork. As members of the community, immigrants need to be able to make sense of their new environment, and Irish society needs to be able to respond to the needs and challenges that an intercultural society poses. Therefore the Irish Immigrant Support Centre should be seen as a resource for the whole community. 

NASC - a brief history 

Over the past five years there has been a gradual increase in the number of people coming to Ireland to seek asylum. These numbers are still tiny by the standards of other European countries. Moreover, one must remember that the vast majority of all refugees find themselves in countries in the Majority World, countries, which in spite of their poverty are frequently more generous in their welcome than those of the rich North. 

Asylum seekers coming to Ireland in the 1990s found themselves in a country which had no policies and no services for them. At first the great majority stayed in Dublin. They began to organise themselves and the Irish voluntary sector gradually became involved with support and services. 

By late 1999 housing became increasingly difficult and expensive to find in Dublin. The Government embarked on a hasty and badly-planned effort to 'disperse' asylum seekers throughout the country, often to places where no prior consultations had taken place and no services were available. Asylum seekers themselves had no choice in their destination. In April 2000 these new arrangements were formalised. There was to be no choice about destination or accommodation. The worst feature of the new regime was that asylum seekers were no longer entitled to normal social welfare allowances but instead received weekly pocket money of IR£15 per week, IR£7.50 per child. In effect, the new arrangements isolated them from the communities in which they found themselves. Apart from a once-off decision in July 1999 concerning people already in Ireland for a year, work permits are not granted. 

The above developments combined with the lack of political direction to generate a crisis atmosphere. However uncalled for this "crisis" was, it was clear that asylum seekers themselves needed services and assistance which were not being provided, and that Irish society was likely to experience an upsurge in racism which would have to be countered. 

In Cork and in other cities and towns, local people became involved in filling some of the gaps which Government policy had created. Three organisations were already active here - CARASI (Comhlámh Action for Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Immigrants), Immigrant Solidarity and Welcome English Classes. For the most part our work was focused on lobbying and outreach, particularly the running of workshops and classes on anti-racism, and English classes for the small number of asylum seekers then in the city. 

With the introduction of this policy of "dispersal" by the Government in late 1999, and the change in the welfare regime to the system of ‘direct provision’ described above, it was obvious that Cork, which had previously seen few asylum seekers, would shortly encounter major changes. This has indeed turned out to be the case, with an increase in the past six months to the present figure of approximately 800, concentrated for the most part in four hotels. 

A loose coalition of individuals, as well as members of CARASI and Immigrant Solidarity and Welcome English Classes, began to work towards the previously impossible dream of a full-time drop-in centre to work with this rapidly-growing asylum seeking, refugee and immigrant community in Cork. 

The catalyst which provided the next big break-through was the donation this Spring of a building by the Sisters of Mercy as well as a significant financial contribution by that Order and a comparable amount from the SMA Fathers. Further support came from other religious sources in the months that followed. 

Within a matter of months NASC, the Irish Immigrant Support Centre, was founded. A full-time coordinator, Brendan Hennessy, was appointed and we opened for business in June. 

Although progress has been made, much work remains to be done. In particular, we continue to aim for a collaborative, partnership-based organisation in which host and new community representatives work together in mutual respect, using their complementary attributes and experience. We also need to work to secure core funding and go forward with a well-resourced, adequately staffed centre, offering a range of necessary services and information as well as providing an essential welcoming environment for all members of the asylum seeking, refugee and immigrant communities.

The Steering Committee

The ethos that informs the work of NASC is one of democracy, inclusion, participation and awareness. It follows the community development model of working with rather than for asylum seekers, refugees and immigrants. The aim of NASC is that in a short time it will become an immigrant led organisation. 

It was agreed that a Steering Committee would be elected for six months to oversee and manage the setting up of the centre. It was to comprise of eight people, with at least three coming from the immigrant community. The first group from the host community elected in March 2000 were: Siobhan Mullally; Nicola Maxwell; Miriam Naji; Piaras Mac Éinrí; Fachtna O'Driscoll. 

It took a little longer before we could fill the posts for the immigrant group. Latif Serhildan was soon involved and was later joined by Sevinj Karaca. Later still Mosun and Zadi, together with Joan Cronin, joined the Steering Committee as it was found necessary to increase it to ten. 

The first task of the Steering Committee was to advertise for the post of co-ordinator, interview candidates and make the appointment. Hennessy, was appointed and the Centre opened in June 2000. Having made the appointment the task was then to work along with the co-ordinator to oversee the operation of NASC. 

The Steering Committee has a threefold role:

• Management Role
• Employer Role
• Funding Role

Various tasks were assigned to different members of the Steering Committee, such as Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Media liaison, hotel liaison, liaison with the coordinator etc. In the first six months not all these functions were assigned on a permanent basis but our experience would suggest that the incoming Steering Committee might consider doing so. The incoming committee will also most likely need some management training and mentoring, the latter possibly from the outgoing team. 

The management role necessitated at least weekly meetings of the committee, plus many hours given to preparing the Centre, liaison with the co-ordinator, meetings with statutory agencies, setting up briefings and seminars with agencies, establishing the sub-groups, transporting immigrants from places of accommodation to sporting and other venues, planning and facilitating the large group meetings, maintaining the centre in the absence of the co-ordinator, attending meetings in Dublin and other places on behalf of NASC etc. Of course, the committee received tremendous help from the volunteers in carrying out these tasks and it would be utterly impossible to function without the generosity of volunteers. Another aspect of the management task is to see that the ethos of NASC is maintained. 

The role of employer is equally important. As it will become a limited company with charity status NASC has to fulfil all its legal requirements. It has to see to the condition of its employees and make sure that their operating conditions are up to scratch. 

This is closely aligned to its funding role. Without sufficient funds NASC cannot employ a co-ordinator; it fact, it would cease to operate at all. The Steering Committee needs the full co-operation of everybody in raising funds but the responsibility for funding rests with them. 

CO-ORDINATOR'S REPORT 

The work of the co-ordinator in NASC is vast and varied. It is usually very rewarding but sometimes quite stressful. Being the sole worker in NASC gives me a lot of room to develop my own strategies, but also can leave me vulnerable to a high workload without the support of work colleagues. I have received terrific encouragement from the Steering Committee who have also put in tremendous work to create, run and finance NASC, and who have all participated in the everyday work of NASC and much more. This report gives an example of the things we do everyday in NASC.

• We help with urgent requests about asylum applications and welfare rights.
• We contact residents of hotels with information and notices of general meetings . 
• Speak to other organisations about immigration policy. 
• With community organisations we hope to create a new immigrant forum. 
• Contact other agencies looking for rooms for social activities. 
• Help prepare the building. 
• Contact and meet with Steering Committee about day-to-day experiences. 
• Organise transport for events like the AGM and cultural events. 
• Work with Volunteers and all the sub-groups. 
• Provide information on asylum-seekers and immigrant workers’ rights. 
• Work with the media to highlight issues facing immigrants in Cork and Ireland 
• Do the accounts, make funding applications and look for more money !!

This is a sample of all the different work that is done in NASC. What the above list does not show is all the administrative work there is involved in keeping the Centre and the activities running. Also the list above does not include the people who just drop in, who must be welcomed and whose needs must be addressed. This work is the most time-consuming (but vital) part; deadlines and work pressures often have to come after the needs of individual arrivals. 

A number of times we have to challenge practices either by the Dept. of Justice or by individual hotels. It is a pity this has to happen but it is good to be able to say that we were successful when we looked to ensure people’s rights. Some of our challenges meant that general procedures had to be changed and modified at policy level. This is particularly encouraging. However, just as much as challenging practice and policy at national level is rewarding it is also very challenging to work so closely against discrimination. Emotionally this work can be very demanding. 

Working in NASC involves thinking of today, or dealing with an emergency, as well as thinking of the development of the organisation. You often have to jump from the present to the future and back to the present in seconds ! Also it is hard to work on your own when you need to be able to talk to people and share the happiness and sadness that this work involves. But by far the best part of working in NASC is meeting all the people from different countries and cultures. It has been great to have new friends and colleagues. 

Brendan Hennessy, 6th October, 2000 

SUB-GROUPS 

Much of NASC's work with immigrants is carried out through the sub-groups and we actively encourage everyone, host community or new arrivals. to get involved. The groups are   

INTERCULTURAL GROUP 

Works in tandem with CARASI (Comhlamh Action for Asylum Seekeres, Refugees and Immigrants) to raise awareness and challenge racism. Does a lot of work in schools. Contact Fachtna at 4916103. 

BUILDING 

Contact Brendan in NASC. Sees to the preparation of and maintenance of the NASC building. 

FUNDING

Contact Brendan in NASC. Seeks funding from statutory bodies, corporate and private donors 

OUTREACH 

Developed a questionnaire for immigrants around the experience of asylum and for host communities around how asylum seekers are perceived and received. Tries to make connections between asylum seekers and sports organisations, such as the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), Basketball etc. An analysis of the two questionnaires will give future direction to the group. 

SOCIAL 

Organises parties and other social events and raises the public profile of NASC. This group needs a new convenor - volunteers welcome! 

TRANSLATION 

Translates necessary documentation into relevant languages and acts with immigrants in meeting statutory agencies. While some translation skills are available more are urgently required! WELFARE Thursdays in NASC at 5.15pm. The group is launching a leaflet on the welfare rights of immigrants and conducts seminars/meetings on welfare issues. It is also lobbying TDs (parliamentarians) against the ‘direct provision’ system. 

REPORT FROM WOMEN’S GROUP, NASC SUPPORT CENTRE 

The aim of the women’s group 

To meet every couple of weeks with women and children from the different hotels and hostels around Cork. From this we hope that the women will become active themselves and make some friends with women from other other groups. The aim of the group is to encourage an atmosphere of friendliness and where possible help with issues that cause some problems for the women e.g. identify medical issues, relieve boredom and identify interesting local events. 

Report on activities since our set-up.

• We have been meeting every second Thursday for the past number of weeks. We met at the Airport Hotel and Ashbourne Hotel, Ashbourne seems to be the most feasible but the transport situation is not the best - we hope to get further help with this. We would like to propose that we meet in the Centre if this does not disrupt other activities there. 
• Last Tuesday 3 October we had our first coffee morning in the centre and it went off very well. We received sponsorship from Campbells Catering UCC for some tea, coffee and sandwiches, which everyone seemed to enjoy! Women came from the Airport Hotel, Ashbourne Hotel and Pope’s Quay. 
• We have had a few people call us with a view to joining the group 
• Oona has organised some of the families in the Ashbourne to submit some articles to the Metro Éireann magazine and we have also sent some photos. Two of the women from the Ashbourne, Katrina and Sarah, are travelling to Tullamore to join in the National Network on 7 October. 
• We received a call from Sheila Sievenright, Firkin Crane. She is very interested in some of the women becoming involved in a group that is being set up at the moment involving music, singing and having a bit of fun. We will discuss this with the group this week and hopefully some of us will go to meet with Sheila on Wednesday 11 October.

Future events

• We hope to continue meeting on Tuesday mornings for the moment. Transport seems to be causing a problem so we are looking for any kind of help in this area 
• We aim to set up a small committee with women from each of the hotels becoming more involved 
• We are looking into the possibility of gathering some items that people feel they could use e.g. clothes, baby gear 
• Our next plan of action is to get something organised for Christmas.

Please feel free to give some feedback and/or ideas for some events, as we want to keep the group lively and entertaining for all involved.     

ARTS GROUP REPORT 

Contact Serge 4508651. 

The Arts Group is working with the Firkin Crane theatre/dance centre. The Firkin Crane is developing its own infrastructure to accommodate multi-cultural media and dance. From now until December, we will form a band and build up a repertoire. We are now looking for percussionists and other musicians as well as singers (male and female) From December to March: the musicians will work together with a group of dancers, for a public performance around Saint Patrick’s Day (maybe the parade!) Another major performance (dance-music) on the theme of migrations is on the way Dancers (men and women) will be greatly welcomed!

WELCOME ENGLISH CLASSES REPORT

English classes have been provided both on an outreach and centralised basis for over a year now. The success of the classes, particularly the outreach programme has been due to the building of good relations between volunteers and participants, who, for various reasons cannot access english classes outside their home. It has been acknowledged that due to the increasing number of people requiring English language skills in Cork and the unsuitability of their accommodation that new iniaitives are required. To that end, the group known as 'Welcome English Classes' will be providing a training course for existing and prospective volunteers in November 2000 (dates to be confirmed and will be posted in NASC) and are making funding applications which would provide more sustained, intensive and ultimately beneficial programmes. 

ASYLUM SEEKERS AND THE LAW - REPORT 

In an attempt to fill the gap in the provision of legal services in the Cork area, the Law Group has now established two free legal advice clinics: Asylum and Refugee Law Immigration Law - Rights of Residence, Information on Work Permits Welfare Rights 

Wednesdays 3-5 pm Thursdays 7-8pm 

These will take place at the NASC office and will be staffed by a team of 5 lawyers. 

This is a free, independent and confidential service. If anyone is in need of legal advice, please come along. A monthly clinic will also be held at the Ashbourne Hotel. 

Since the opening of NASC in June 2000, there have been a number of important developments in the area of asylum law. Unfortunately, many of these developments have reduced the level of human rights protection for asylum seekers in Ireland. In the last year, the Government's legislative program has focused on 'control and security issues', neglecting and often eroding the fundamental rights of asylum seekers, refugees and immigrants in Ireland. 

On August 28th, the Supreme Court upheld what has been described as one of the most sdraconian pieces of legislation yet to be introduced into Irish law. The Illegal Immigrants (Trafficking) Bill, 1999 confers an extended power of arrest and detention on an immigration officer or a member of the Garda in relation to any person against whom a deportation order is in force. The Bill introduces a form of preventive detention. A Garda or immigration officer who suspects that a person will not comply with a deportation order, has the power to detain that person for up to 8 weeks. This opens up the possibility of individuals being detained, despite the fact that they have not committed any unlawful act. Many believe that this new power may be contrary to European and international human rights law. The detention of asylum seekers in the UK and Australia has already been heavily criticised by United Nations Human Rights bodies. The Bill also reduces to 14 days the time-limit within which asylum-seekers can seek a judicial review of decisions refusing an application for asylum. Usually, 3 months are given for such applications and many believe that a time-limit of 14 days is simply unworkable. 

Criticisms have also been made of the initial stages of the asylum process. On the 7th September, the Irish Refugee Council published a report: Asylum in Ireland: A Report of the Fairness and Sustainability of Asylum Determinations at First Instance. The Report highlights the lack of training for assessors, the lack of knowledge of human rights situations in refugee-producing countries, the lack of training on issues of sexual violence and the high number of applications that are rejected because of minor inconsistencies. At present more than 90% of applications are rejected at first instance. Approximately one-third of applications are successful following an appeal to the independent Appeals Authority. The Report also highlights the difficulties in getting access to legal services, particularly for asylum-seekers who are involuntarily 'dispersed' outside of the Dublin area. Asylum-seekers arriving since June are being given interviews within 4 - 6 weeks of their arrival in Ireland. As a result, many are attending interviews at the Department of Justice without having received legal advice. An increasing number of applications are being rejected as "manifestly unfounded". Anyone receiving such a refusal is given only 7 days to make an appeal. Again, people living outside of Dublin are significantly disadvantaged by this requirement. 

Difficulties are also arising with applications for the right to residence in Ireland, for parents of Irish-born children or spouses of Irish / EU nationals. At present, these applications are taking 5-6 months to process. Delays are also being experienced within the Social Welfare system. Although asylum-seekers are entitled to social welfare payments such as Child Benefit, One-Parent Family Allowance etc, applications are taking 3-4 months to process and are often delayed for some time while cross-checks are carried out with the Department of Justice. 

The Equal Status Act, 2000 which prohibits discrimination on grounds of race, in the provision of goods and services, accommodation, education and access to clubs, bars and restaurants has not yet been implemented. It was due to enter into force in October, but has been delayed yet again. Many organisations, including FLAC (Free Legal Advice Centres) have argued that the system of 'direct provision' (£15 per week and board and lodging in hotels /hostels etc) could be challenged under the Act. The Equality Authority has also said that it will challenge the system of direct provision once the Equal Status Act comes into force. 

On a slightly more positive note, the NASC legal group has organised a number of activities this year. In March, Catherine Kenny, the former legal officer of the Irish Refugee Council, gave a training seminar on the Asylum Process in Ireland. In May, Louis Gentile, Legal Officer with the UNHCR, gave a one-day training session on Refugee Law. And in June, Bernie O'Donoghue and Brian Kearney from the Dept of Social, Community and Family Affairs gave an information session on welfare rights of asylum-seekers and refugees. 

DENMARK-IRELAND MEETING REPORT 

Marja Elverhoei and Petter Sommerfelt from Noerre Alle Community Centre in Copenhagen passed a pleasant five days (October 2nd to 6th) in Cork, visiting NASC as part of an exchange under the ‘Bologna Project’. This visit initiated the setting up of a network between the two centres for future co-operation, and it is our impression that we have grounds for optimism towards these ends. We would to thank the Steering Committee and the staff (Brendan Hennessy) at NASC for their hospitality, and send our best wishes for their work to improve the conditions of the asylum seekers in Cork. We have had the opportunity to visit the Island House Hotel and very strongly feel that both the accommodation and the meals offered to the asylum seekers should be submitted to immediate changes. This we propose should be the number one priority of NASC in the near future. Good luck with your work.

Brendan adds: Marja and Petter have invited NASC to visit them in Noerre Allee in November. The ‘Bologna Project’ helps us meet similar inter-cultural organisations in Europe.