Labour calls for compassion as family threatened with deportation

Local Labour Party representatives have called on the Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan to “intervene urgently” to prevent the deportation of 14-year-old Joseph Oyenkami and his family next week, warning that their removal from Ireland would cause “huge damage” to their communities.

The family has faced uncertainty for months now, with the Irish Times reporting that the South African family must leave Ireland on 12th February.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik and councillor Lettie McCarthy represent the two areas in which the Oyenkami children have been based and are schooled.

Councillor Lettie McCarthy, Labour representative for Glencullen-Sandyford said “the Okenyamis are thriving here – academically, socially and through sport. They are valued members of the community and deporting them would be wrong. The strength of feeling locally shows just how deeply this family has put down roots here. Deporting them would be a profound injustice and must not proceed.”

Bacik said “this impending deportation has prompted an outpouring of concern and support from schoolmates, parents, teachers, sports clubs and community members across south Dublin. This case highlights the human cost of inflexible decision-making,”

The Dublin Bay South TD noted “last year, headlines were dominated by the impact of deportations of children on their schoolmates, as well as on the children themselves.”

“In Dublin Bay South, Joseph Oyenkami’s teachers at Gonzaga, his classmates and friends are united in asking the Minister to exercise his compassion and discretion to prevent this going ahead. Many have expressed disbelief that a talented young person who is so settled and supported here could face removal from the country he now calls home.”

Baci said “now, at the eleventh hour, Minister O’Callaghan must intervene and do what is right – no one wants to see this deportation proceed. I have already over recent months made representations to the Minister on the family’s behalf and I urge him again to take the humane and compassionate approach here and allow the family to stay.”

Deputy Bacik and Councillor McCarthy are urging the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to review this case as a matter of urgency and to grant the Oyenkamis leave to remain in Ireland.