Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the debate in the House on this particular issue, especially considering there has been a major reluctance on the part of the Government to debate such matters. Instead, it has exuded fear, which is hugely disappointing. Political debates should not be avoided, especially on contentious issues. Nothing positive comes form that.

In the short time available to me, I will point to the clear mishandling of the migration issue thus far and the disagreements within the coalition on even the basic details of statistics. This is not helping with the already precarious situation we have now faced for the last two years. The referendum showed that the public do not trust this Government. The message was sent loud and clear that the Government has lost the trust and confidence of the people.

Information has not been forthcoming. Actions have been taken that would be deemed underhanded, such as moving people into communities in the middle of the night. There is not a clear plan or implementation of a plan, and this has all added to the issue at hand. The Government has looked for sympathy for the challenges it is meant to lead us through, and that has also had a detrimental effect.

Accommodation for international protection applicants who are currently here is failing HIQA inspections, including the Knockalisheen direct provision centre where there are currently 52 men accommodated in tents. Because they are not on Mount Street, that story is not making it into the media. I know from a response to a parliamentary question that there is no short- or long-term strategy for accommodation in place. A questionnaire circulated during an inspection found that half of respondents did not feel safe or happy and did not want to leave their rooms at night. The Government has refused to communicate and engage with communities, as has been pointed out left, right and centre. It has also failed to ensure a regional balance when it comes to securing accommodation centres. As a result, counties such as Clare have gone above and beyond.

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