Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In November, the Minister, Deputy Coveney, stated in the Dáil that Ireland has a reputation for being consistent and vocal on humanitarian issues. However, the facts do not support his declaration. According to Amnesty International, we are facilitating a racist system of abuse and exploitation of refugees and migrants by the Libyan coast guard, detention authorities and smugglers in order to prevent people from crossing the Mediterranean.

There also appears to be a record of failing to raise important humanitarian crises when the Irish have something to sell. There are some dreadful things being perpetrated by our allies and trade partners but we look the other way. When will we live up to the reputation we claim to have?

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