About Us
Abhaile Arís works to secure the full citizenship of republican ex-prisoners, displaced persons and former activists through recognition of the contribution they have made to the community in the past and can make in the future.In the early release program, established under the Good Friday Agreement it was envisaged that all political prisoners would be released by July 2000. Up to 15,000 republican ex-prisoners have been released throughout Ireland during the course of the conflict. Through our local group, Abháile Aris seeks to provide services for such individuals and their families.
Abháile Arís, based in Letterkenny, Co Donegal was established in 1998. The project members are very active in the local communities and there was a big input to the Letterkenny 'Children in Need' events. We are also heavily involved in the local Anti Drugs Task Force and have been engaging with various community and voluntary groups as part of the PNB programme. The ex-prisoners have been at the forefront of the peace building and reconciliation process.
As well as service provision, Abhaile Arís has developed policy positions on a number of concerns affecting the republican ex-prisoner community. These include:
- employment difficulties facing ex-prisoners
- Freedom of movement for ex-prisoners and those sought by the police for questioning
- The need for an amnesty for those convicted as a result of the conflict.
Abhaile Arís works in close co-operation with Coiste na n-Iarchimí, www.coiste.ie. Coiste na n-Iarchimí is the umbrella organisation co-ordinating groups and individuals working for the social, economic and emotional well-being of republican ex-prisoners, displaced persons and former activists and their families.
Abhaile Arís is grateful for funding received under the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation - Peace II Programme administered by Border Action, www.borderaction.ie.