Detention or what?

As I was flying in from abroad on October 23, I noticed that The Times carried no fewer than three contributions on the phenomenon of migration and detention.

I hope to make a more extensive contribution with a view to putting the record straight. It was reported that illegal immigrants told The Times that "no visitors are allowed to come and see us". This was reported under the heading "Detainees see ray of hope". It is a blatant untruth.

In the article I hope to write I also intend offering some points for discussion. I intend writing not just in my official capacity but also as a citizen, until recently actively involved in the voluntary sector. Hopefully we can still discuss this highly sensitive issue in a dispassionate and truthful manner.

But today I will not be that dispassionate, limiting myself to the following question.

Given the focus on detention, is one to assume that, in addition to the Emigrants' Commission - for which read that indefatigable Mgr Philip Calleja - other organisations will soon come forward in response to my letter of December 10, 2002?

In my official capacity as permanent secretary in the ministry responsible for home affairs matters, I had written to both diocesan and religious authorities informing them that the ministry was considering, at least in so far as families were concerned, that illegal migrants (so not just asylum seekers) be housed outside the centres, and the ministry was ready to discuss the logistics since a certain amount of planning was (is) required.

I assume readers would be interested to know if 10 months down the line, there is truly a ray of hope that this challenge will be taken up.