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

I thank the Cathaoirleach for the opportunity to speak on this very important debate on EU migration and the refugee crisis. We have all seen the horrific images and the significant family suffering following conflicts in Syria, Libya, Iraq and conflicts in Africa. Yet the EU and many other countries are not doing enough. Although some EU governments are responsible for the causes of many of these conflicts, they act as if they had nothing to do with them. It is important that we address the causes of many of these conflicts. We must all wake up to the facts and the nightmare for these people.

We must remind ourselves of certain key facts. Some 1,200 men, women and children are listed as missing or drowned so far. Some 10,000 children are missing within the borders of Europe. Some 184,000 people have arrived since the start of the year. We are talking about people. That is to put a human face on it. I strongly agree with my colleague, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, when he referred to the words "refugee" and "migrant". These are human beings, men, women and children, fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters. They are people. It is important that we focus on the humanitarian aspect of the debate.

Some 14 years ago, before I entered the Dáil, I worked in a school which had children of five different nationalities, many of whom had come from conflict areas. The experience of the parents, pupils and teachers was extremely positive. They made an enormous contribution. The children were highly motivated and many have gone on to become professionals in Irish society. Those who have a serious problem with immigration must focus on the many positive aspects.

Our emigrants to Australia, America or Germany make positive contributions to the broader society. I have two nephews and a niece in Australia and other parts of the world. We do not want them to go. Many go for economic reasons and many others to broaden their horizons. They make a major contribution where they go. The same happens here. Those who have a mindset against immigrants need to calm down and focus on those issues.

Today, I met a group of 37 trade unionists from Germany who visited the Dáil. We had very detailed questions and answers about the situation and this issue arose. Germany has taken in many people and has shown leadership but has also suffered politically. While we have political differences here, in Ireland we have a broader view point, and no extreme right-wing parties have arisen. If they have tried to take off, they have not developed. My German guests today told me they were concerned about this issue in Germany and Austria. While we have differences, we must focus. Members of the Oireachtas must focus on issues such as racism. We should have learned from the sectarian aspect of our conflict in the North during the past 30 years. Sectarianism and racism are no-nos, and politicians must lead on this issue. It can be difficult when one is getting it in the neck on the doorsteps regarding the issue, as many did during the general election campaign. Again, the issue was kept under the radar.

A number of my colleagues have mentioned the role of the Irish Naval Service. I commend the Naval Service on its major contribution. Some 8,500 people are alive today as a direct result of the actions of Irish officers and crews. To the men and women of the Naval Service, I say, go raibh míle maith agaibh and well done for a job well done.

They should be going back there again. We should know from our history - we all learned about the coffin ships and the Famine - that there is a need to show leadership and courage on this issue. While the decision to deploy this year was very welcome, we need assurances about the longer term. I will push this issue very strongly. All of us in this changed Dáil should be united in this regard. A ship flying the Irish flag should be rescuing people from the Mediterranean for as long as is necessary.

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