Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú) | Oireachtas source

Most Irish people want to help those who are fleeing from war, violence or hunger around the world. Most Irish people want to be the Good Samaritan, but there is genuine concern with the Government's handling of the migration process. There must be consultation with communities. They have a right to have a say over how their areas will be developed. There must be a community dividend. Many working-class areas are already suffering from a lack of housing, GPs, school places and transport. Bringing large numbers of people into these deprived areas must be accompanied by real investment into these issues.

The asylum application process also needs to be speeded up. It should not take more than six months. Those who are not genuine asylum applicants or who have destroyed their travel documents to confuse the process must be sent home. Services that are designed to help asylum seekers, such as housing services, must also be available to Irish people in need; otherwise, the Government will divide people.

The Government is far too reliant on hotels in this system. Many communities are dependent on the tourism industry. Unless alternative accommodation is found for refugees, other than hotel accommodation, the livelihoods of many communities will be hammered in the near future.

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