Fitzgerald remarks on deportation sparks call to engage with Muslim community

Muslim community leaders across Ireland have expressed concerns over Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald’s recent remarks about the deportation of suspected Islamic extremists.

Ms Fitzgerald defended the deportation of foreign nationals suspected of supporting Islamic extremism even if there is not enough evidence for a criminal prosecution.

The Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland in Clonskeagh, Dublin, has requested a meeting with Ms Fitzgerald because of its “concerns regarding recent comments by the minister”.

Meanwhile, the Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council (IMPIC) has called for more engagement with the wider Muslim community.

Shaykh Muhammad Umar Al-Qadri, chief executive of IMPIC, told the Irish Independent: “We do support the idea of deporting those who have been proven to be jihadists by the courts.

“However, we don’t think it is a good idea to deport someone just on the basis of suspicion. Suspicion is not proof.”

Dr Al-Qadri added: “Until now, the Government has only been dealing with the largest mosque, the Clonskeagh mosque. But there are many more stakeholders.

“The community is not just represented by one particular mosque. They need to involve other members of the Muslim community also.

“Without liasing with the Muslim community, which is very diverse, you can’t remove the threat of radicalisation.”