Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The first asylum seekers came to Donegal town in 2000. I was involved in the asylum support group in Donegal town at that time. As such, I have been involved through the entire process since asylum seekers have been here. It is interesting that the problems raised at the first meeting in Donegal town before the asylum seekers came were exactly the same as the ones being raised in Oughterard in Galway and, indeed, Moville, Donegal a number of months ago. Those problems never came to pass in Donegal town. The asylum seekers were there for eight or nine years but the centre has closed and reopened as something else following the recession. The problems are unfounded, largely, which is important to note. It is sad that we do not have the political will to stand up and do what is right rather than to do what is popular. That is a sad reflection of our political system. The work the Ombudsman does stands in great contrast to that. The office defends the rights of vulnerable people who depend on the system. That is very important work. It is unfortunate that not all politicians cannot honour that important work and strengthen it across the board.