Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We owe it to our fellow human beings to make this case. We also owe it to our great-great-great-grandparents who ended up in coffin ships and paupers' graves in different parts of the world from the 1800s. It is important to link their experience into today's debate. We can be very proud of what has happened in recent days.

It is important for this Government and the incoming Government to stand up and deliver on the commitment that was made to take 4,000 people. I understand that fewer than 500 people have been allowed into Ireland during the five years of the war in Syria. That is not good enough. It is something we have to look at, just as we have to look at issues like housing, accommodation, education and services. We can think about such matters and plan for them. We have already started that process. Canada is one of the countries that has shown leadership and overcome their problems. It now has more than 10,000 refugees on its soil, with a further 15,000 refugees on the way. People can argue that Canada has a bigger landmass than Ireland. I accept that point. I am not saying we need to take 15,000 refugees. We should start with the 4,000 we have committed to take. Brazil, which is an absolutely massive country with its own economic and social problems, has taken 2,600 people. There is a contribution. Europe's Governments, including the Irish Government, have failed to match that generosity. As I have said, we have to be very conscious of our own history. The policy decision to take 4,000 refugees by the end of next year should be delivered on. I do not think there is a need to discuss it any further. The decision has been made and we should get on with it.

I would like to suggest how we might deal with this particular situation. It is important that we have proposals and solutions to deal with this issue. We have to be radical, responsible and inclusive. I would like to see the establishment of safe legal channels so that people can reach safety without having to risk everything at the hands of people smugglers. I would like the State to honour its existing commitment to accept 4,000 people without any further delay. I would like us to commit to retaining the Irish Navy in the Mediterranean so that our troops can continue to save lives for as long as is necessary. I would like to see an extension of the screening by Irish officials of people from the existing hot spots so that the camps at Calais, Cherbourg and Roscoff are included. We cannot allow what is happening there to continue. We cannot tolerate the poverty that these people are experiencing in these hovels. We need to deal with these issues. I have made some positive and constructive proposals to that end.

I would like to go back to the core issue, which is how to assist people who are in need. As I have said previously, an important aspect of this issue came up under the radar during the recent general election campaign. People spoke privately to me when I was canvassing certain streets and roads. It is interesting that they never spoke to me in front of seven or eight of my election workers. There was an element of hostility when this issue came up. This is something that is out there under the radar in our broader society. It is very important for Members of the Oireachtas, as leaders, to be determined to ensure on a cross-party basis that racism, like sectarianism, is not accepted in any aspect and is not allowed to grow its head or move up in any way in society.

It is also important to refer to the Palestinian question, which was mentioned by some of my colleagues, while we are talking about this whole issue. We have not faced up to this reality. In the previous Dáil, a cross-party motion was agreed supporting the Palestinian people and their proposal to have their own state, fatherland or country. I am saying the new Dáil should accept this all-party motion. When we are talking about the Palestinians, we are talking about people. I thank the Chair for giving me the opportunity to make this contribution. It is important for all of us to show the humanitarian side to Irish politicians.

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