Mayo Intercultural Action Welcomes Judge Devin's Apology for Inappropriate Comment

Mayo Intercultural Action welcomes Judge Devin's second apology for the inappropriate comment she made suggesting that the Irish social welfare system is a charity for Polish people. In apologising Judge Devins does acknowledge that her comments caused offence and expresses her sorrow for this. However it is unfortunate that an apology from a member of the judiciary for making such an inflammatory and unacceptable comment was necessary in first place.
Michelle Rooney of Mayo Intercultural Action added "a judge holds an honourable position and with it comes great responsibility to discharge their duties in an impartial manner. The comment may not have been intended to cause offence, but the negative and prejudicial connotations of the comment had to be challenged."

This is in addition to the ‘Mayo Intercultural Action Responds to Judge Devins Inflammatory Comments' released on 2nd August 2012.

About MIA

Mayo Intercultural Action (MIA) exists to promote the positive effects of interculturalism and the meaningful participation of migrants and their families in all aspects of the community in County Mayo. MIA is a voluntary group whose vision is of an open, just and equal Ireland, where human rights and cultural differences are respected and where new Irish communities are offered equal rights and opportunities.

Since its foundation in 2004 MIA has worked to generate a real and optimistic impact on the lives of migrants and their families as well as the wider population in County Mayo over the past number of years. Achievements include:

· Publication of "Building a Diverse Mayo - A Report on Immigration, Integration and Services Provision" which was well received and continues to contribute to policy formation in the county.
· High level of publicity in the public sphere on matters relating to migrants experiences in County Mayo.
· Contribution to the formation of the Mayo Integration Forum which has become significant arena for discussion, increasing statutory and NGO organisations awareness of migration issues.
· Alliance building with a wide range of agencies including other NGOs, statutory and private sector organisations at local regional and national levels.
· Delivery of two significant training, educational and development programmes - European Refugee Fund Programme and Equality Women's Measure.