Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

There was something very deeply disturbing about the sight we all saw on our television screens of the 1,500 young people who were left to fend for themselves and abandoned after the dismantling of the Jungle camp. It was more reminiscent of a futuristic movie about the collapse of civilisation, with people being left to fend for themselves in that situation, than a Europe that has been proud of its civilisation for centuries and has among its basic values social solidarity and social justice. The idea that we, as Europeans, are not responding to these young people, many of whom have gone through hugely traumatic experiences, in a caring way is very disturbing. It is not just an issue for France and Britain. I take issue with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade on that. Perhaps we have not been asked officially by the European authorities but we have been asked by our own people to take at least 200 of these young people. The most important thing we can take from this debate tonight, which has been said by many speakers already, is that we can do this and we can do it quickly. We need to show collective political will. I hope the Government will join with everyone else in the House in showing that collective political will. A number of us who have spoken here were at the briefings. One of the things that came out of it was that it is simply not true to say they all want to go to England. They want to go to an English speaking country. We heard from people today who have direct experience, who have been in the camp, have gotten to know a lot of these young people and have won their trust. In turn, that trust has made those young people trust in the idea that the Irish people will be welcoming and can give them a home and a safe place to live. One of the things we need to put on the record here tonight is that while some of them say they want to go to England, what they really want is to go to an English speaking country where they will feel safe. Ireland is one of those countries and we need to open our arms to them.

The people we met today also told us there are individual files on many of these young people in which it can be clarified that they are willing to go to Ireland. That is the first thing I want to put on the record with regard to ensuring that we have accurate information about all of this. They described to us today young boys and girls who are extraordinarily resilient and determined. Many of them have seen the horror of family members killed and have travelled across north Africa or parts of Asia and the Middle East from countries like Sudan, Syria, Iraq and Iran fleeing life-threatening situations. They are looking for some kind of a future where they can start their lives all over again. The people we met today described those young people as people that any country would want to come and have in their presence. That was one of the facts.

The other thing, which Deputy Howlin and two of the Ministers referred to, is that there is a special team in Tusla that has expertise and experience in dealing with unaccompanied minors who are highly vulnerable, alone and traumatised. As the Ministers, Deputies Fitzgerald and Zappone, both said, 59 young people are already in that programme so that team is expert. It is ready and can be mobilised so we have the capacity to deal with the trauma, difficulties and vulnerability of these young people.

The third area that has been referred to is the fact that the Irish Red Cross has a list of 800 families who were willing to become foster families in response to the migrant crisis when that call was put out last year. It has been said by many people, including my colleague, Deputy Brendan Howlin, that those families are willing and there are probably a lot more families out there who are willing to open their doors. I have no doubt they would respond again.

It is clear that we have the structures and personnel to provide a new start for 200 or more young people who are in such desperate circumstances. I hope we will have that kind of response from Government. I welcome the reaction of the Government Chief Whip, Deputy Regina Doherty.

However, there must be a whole-of-Government determination to make this happen. The chief executive of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, Brian Killoran, said that the statements made today must lead to action to help these children. That is the wish of this House and of the Irish people. I do not know what discussions the Government has held. However, it must return to the table and listen to its members who have responded in the humane way in which many of us have responded to the plight of these young people.

The most important matter is that we must get over the idea that we have to wait to be asked and that, somehow or other, they do not wish to come here. They do wish to come here and they will come here. They are in need and we have the capacity to respond to their need. The Irish people know what migration is about and what it is like to have to reach out to another country. These young people are in a situation most of us cannot even imagine. They have gone through horrific situations in their native countries and have been able to travel huge distances through all kinds of dangers. As somebody said today, they are survivors and they are strong. They are so determined to have a future for themselves that they have been able to make their way across to Calais. We must open our hearts to them. I believe that is the wish of the Irish people. I hope there will be a response not just from this side of the House but also from the Government.

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