The Irish College of Psychiatrists is deeply concerned about some elements of the Immigration Bill 2004 - now at 2^nd stage in the Dail.

Dr. Kate Ganter, Chairperson of the Irish College said today, "We are particularly concerned that ‘mental disorders’ as defined by the Mental Health Act 2001 should now be the basis for a person being refused admission to this country. Immense powers in regard to medical assessment have been vested in the Immigration Officers, under the Bill – and this is entirely unacceptable."

In endeavouring to resolve one issue the Government is now compounding the stigmatisation of mental illness. This is most regrettable. Most mental illness is entirely treatable – and the person experiencing this illness needs assistance not rejection and stigmatisation. The Government is perpetuating the myths of mental illness and are discriminating against ill people who are already vulnerable. It is also difficult to accept why disability was particularly changed to specify mental illness in the context of the Bill.

The Irish College strongly recommends that this Bill in its present form be set aside – until the stigmatisation and severe injustice issues have been appropriately dealt with.