Ireland's White Paper to End Direct Provision (2021): Migrant Accommodation and Control

This IMR Dispatch engages with Ireland's White Paper to End Direct Provision (2021) - the Government of Ireland's most recent policy statement on the provision of settlement services for migrants seeking asylum in Ireland. The actions outlined in the White Paper promise to reorder the provision of accommodation and support for such migrants. A range of positive inputs are included, the most significant of which is the proposed discontinuation of Ireland's current system of dispersed ‘camp-like’ communal accommodations for International Protection applicants and its replacement with a new person-centered system of ‘own room’ and ‘own door’ accommodations in the community. A wide range of personal supports are envisaged as well. At first glance, this White Paper shows that the Government of Ireland has engaged with the concerns of organizations active in Ireland's social protection sector in general, and with the needs of applicants for international protection in particular, to provide a more humane system of International Protection. However, tensions are discernible, and we contend that there is ample evidence of the Government of Ireland's impulse to retain command and control of its migration management processes in the White Paper, even against the background of its new, more human-rights-based approach. We suggest that the spatialities inherent in the proposal point to a potential rearticulation of state control rather than to any diminution of same.

Transplant Tourism: New Zealand Residents Deciding on Commercial Transplantation Overseas

<p>The demand for organs exceeds supply in almost every country, including New Zealand. As such, scholars have argued that this has contributed to a rise in illegal kidney purchase and commercial transplantation. Taking into account the likelihood that patients in New Zealand have been involved, this research considers the factors that motivate these patients to circumvent the transplant opportunities here in favour of a commercial transplant overseas. In addition, this project examines the ethical concerns that arise for medical professionals who suspect or become aware of a patient’s intention to procure an organ outside of New Zealand. Interviews were conducted with eight medical professionals working in the field of kidney donation and transplantation, two key informants (stakeholder and academic), and two patients. The patients have previously undergone a kidney transplant in New Zealand and have both — to varying degrees — considered transplant tourism. Using narrative thematic analysis, the data was organised into three predominant themes; The Desire for Health, Transplant Tourism: An Uncommon Phenomenon, and The Healthcare Response. Numerous insights were generated from this analysis. While transplant tourism is considered by many patients in New Zealand, it is pursued infrequently and arguably only by those with connections to common destination countries. When such instances occur, medical professionals in New Zealand encounter a variety of ethical, legal, and professional dilemmas that affect their ability to prevent transplantrelated crimes. This research concludes that patients (regardless of whether or not they pursue transplant tourism) experience feelings of frustration and hopelessness as a result of their illness experiences along with the current healthcare infrastructures. Assisting patients in setting realistic expectations of their treatment options, as well as increasing the transparency of the deceased donor waiting list is recommended. Moreover, it is suggested that transplant professionals at all levels are offered education about organ trafficking and transplant tourism, and a policy statement on organ trafficking and transplant tourism should be developed to clarify the rights and obligations of medical professionals in relation to organ purchase and offer guidance on how they can interact with patients who travel or plan to travel abroad for a transplant.</p>

Transplant Tourism: New Zealand Residents Deciding on Commercial Transplantation Overseas

<p>The demand for organs exceeds supply in almost every country, including New Zealand. As such, scholars have argued that this has contributed to a rise in illegal kidney purchase and commercial transplantation. Taking into account the likelihood that patients in New Zealand have been involved, this research considers the factors that motivate these patients to circumvent the transplant opportunities here in favour of a commercial transplant overseas. In addition, this project examines the ethical concerns that arise for medical professionals who suspect or become aware of a patient’s intention to procure an organ outside of New Zealand. Interviews were conducted with eight medical professionals working in the field of kidney donation and transplantation, two key informants (stakeholder and academic), and two patients. The patients have previously undergone a kidney transplant in New Zealand and have both — to varying degrees — considered transplant tourism. Using narrative thematic analysis, the data was organised into three predominant themes; The Desire for Health, Transplant Tourism: An Uncommon Phenomenon, and The Healthcare Response. Numerous insights were generated from this analysis. While transplant tourism is considered by many patients in New Zealand, it is pursued infrequently and arguably only by those with connections to common destination countries. When such instances occur, medical professionals in New Zealand encounter a variety of ethical, legal, and professional dilemmas that affect their ability to prevent transplantrelated crimes. This research concludes that patients (regardless of whether or not they pursue transplant tourism) experience feelings of frustration and hopelessness as a result of their illness experiences along with the current healthcare infrastructures. Assisting patients in setting realistic expectations of their treatment options, as well as increasing the transparency of the deceased donor waiting list is recommended. Moreover, it is suggested that transplant professionals at all levels are offered education about organ trafficking and transplant tourism, and a policy statement on organ trafficking and transplant tourism should be developed to clarify the rights and obligations of medical professionals in relation to organ purchase and offer guidance on how they can interact with patients who travel or plan to travel abroad for a transplant.</p>

A lesson in un-creativity: (R (on the application of Friends of the Earth Ltd and others) v Heathrow Airport Ltd [2020] UKSC 52

Plans for a third runway at Heathrow airport have been the subject of ongoing melodrama. In the latest instalment, (R (on the application of Friends of the Earth Ltd and others) v Heathrow Airport Ltd [2020] UKSC 52), the Supreme Court comprehensively reversed the Court of Appeal's judgment, rejecting the finding that the decision maker acted unlawfully in designating the Airport National Policy Statement (ANPS). This commentary highlights that the Supreme Court judgment signals a missed opportunity to develop a more creative approach to the polycentric and dynamic issue of climate change in the context of nationally significant infrastructure projects. It argues that the decision is, if not wholly unexpected, a disappointing one.

Flood Risk Analysis by Building Use in Urban Planning for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation

In this study, focusing on buildings as the smallest unit of urban space, the distribution characteristics of risk factors were examined by building use as an adaptable measure for urban flooding disasters. Flood risk is calculated as a function of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. The flood risk for a building was classified into five classes, and the distribution characteristics of buildings were examined according to England’s flood risk vulnerability classification system, known as Planning Policy Statement 25 (PPS25). After analyzing the risk of flooding in Ulsan Metropolitan City, one of Korea’s representative urban areas, it was found that while Dong-gu District can be considered relatively safe, districts of Jung-gu and Nam-gu, as well as Ulju-gun, have highly vulnerable buildings with red and orange ratings, which include motor vehicles-related facilities, education and welfare facilities, and residential facilities. There has been evidence to prove that urban flood disaster affects topography and the environment, in addition to having a significant effect on adaptability depending on the facility groups that resulted from urbanization. This study is expected to serve as a scientific database for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation to floods during land-use planning, which would eventually allow for systematic management of high-risk buildings through verification of location suitability of buildings by facility group.

Collective Coast

<p>Deeply rooted with cultural and historic ties, the coastline is inherently linked to the New Zealand way of life. The coast belongs to ‘the people’ and has been legislated so that land adjacent to the sea falls within public ownership. Most New Zealanders take for granted their ability to access the coast and firmly believe coastal access should be unrestricted. As a result, there is signifcant public opposition to a built-up waterfront. The quality of the coastal environment relies on more than natural qualities. In an urban and suburban setting, the built environment determines which activities and functions can occur and the levels of social engagement that can be experienced. Consequently, the root concern for the future of the waterfront may be a fear of ill-designed developments, escalated by fears of spoiling the water’s edge. The New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement (NZCPS) recognises there is a need for social, economic and cultural development in the coastal marine area. Acting as stimulus for activity, architecture enhances the way the waterfront is utilised. It fosters economic venture and defnes the character of the region. The waterfront faces growing pressure from real estate exploitation. Having to suitably balance the social, economic and cultural needs that come with the location. Impactful decisions concerning the preservation or destruction of historic remnants and the natural condition of the environment must be made. The balance of public and private use of coastal land should also be considered. Arousing local and international contention, these ideologies are at the heart of waterfront debate. ‘Collective Coast’ explores Wellington’s coastal condition and the intersecting desires of public, private, cultural, economic and environmental interests through a mixed residential design proposal. The proposal tests the application of this wide breadth of research, and stretches across many disciplines and design scales. The proposed project is set in Shelly Bay, along Wellington’s Miramar Peninsular. The site allows for a breadth of possibilities gathered from a wide range of literature to be explored. Given the importance of the waterfront as both a destination for the public and a highly sought after residential zone, the project presents major challenges in planning, urban design, infrastructure and community formation. The desired outcome is to create a coastal community that both engages and facilitates the wider public’s engagement with the shared environment.</p>

Collective Coast

<p>Deeply rooted with cultural and historic ties, the coastline is inherently linked to the New Zealand way of life. The coast belongs to ‘the people’ and has been legislated so that land adjacent to the sea falls within public ownership. Most New Zealanders take for granted their ability to access the coast and firmly believe coastal access should be unrestricted. As a result, there is signifcant public opposition to a built-up waterfront. The quality of the coastal environment relies on more than natural qualities. In an urban and suburban setting, the built environment determines which activities and functions can occur and the levels of social engagement that can be experienced. Consequently, the root concern for the future of the waterfront may be a fear of ill-designed developments, escalated by fears of spoiling the water’s edge. The New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement (NZCPS) recognises there is a need for social, economic and cultural development in the coastal marine area. Acting as stimulus for activity, architecture enhances the way the waterfront is utilised. It fosters economic venture and defnes the character of the region. The waterfront faces growing pressure from real estate exploitation. Having to suitably balance the social, economic and cultural needs that come with the location. Impactful decisions concerning the preservation or destruction of historic remnants and the natural condition of the environment must be made. The balance of public and private use of coastal land should also be considered. Arousing local and international contention, these ideologies are at the heart of waterfront debate. ‘Collective Coast’ explores Wellington’s coastal condition and the intersecting desires of public, private, cultural, economic and environmental interests through a mixed residential design proposal. The proposal tests the application of this wide breadth of research, and stretches across many disciplines and design scales. The proposed project is set in Shelly Bay, along Wellington’s Miramar Peninsular. The site allows for a breadth of possibilities gathered from a wide range of literature to be explored. Given the importance of the waterfront as both a destination for the public and a highly sought after residential zone, the project presents major challenges in planning, urban design, infrastructure and community formation. The desired outcome is to create a coastal community that both engages and facilitates the wider public’s engagement with the shared environment.</p>

Electricity Market reforms in New Zealand and Germany: A Comparative Study of the History, Development and Future of These Both Countries' Markets with a Special Focus on the Approach to Renewable energy

<p>This dissertation will show why Germany is overall on a better way to deliver secure and sustainable electricity to its population at the moment. Though, New Zealand had the better starting point, it missed important steps in the development. However, “of the industrial countries, Germany is leading with regard to new renewable energy sources, occupying one of the first ranks in terms of wind energy capacity and photovoltaics”. Its legislation on this area with the core the Renewable Sources Act is a role model for many countries. And Germany’s Integrated Energy and Climate Programme seems promising that Germany will continue to have innovative and exemplary measures on the renewable energy sector. However, the history and development of New Zealand’s electricity market has shown that its government can correct wrong decisions and react fast and forcefully. The New Zealand Energy Strategy and the New Zealand Efficiency and Conservation Strategy have been first steps in the right direction. An important sign for New Zealand’s electricity industry would be the National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity Generation.</p>