Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Offering protection to those seeking it when fleeing war or persecution lies at the very core of the values of every free democracy. It is an expression of humanity and solidarity. It is a European value founded on a deep understanding of migration in our history and the terrible things that happened when borders were so tightly sealed that previously unimaginable tragedies and atrocities occurred. The fact is that Europe and Ireland are, at this very moment, experiencing enormous pressures, overwhelmingly due to people fleeing war and persecution on our borders.

In any honest discussion about people seeking protection we must start by acknowledging the crimes of those who have caused the migration in the first place. It is warmongers such as Putin and Assad whose actions have caused millions to seek safety in faraway countries. It is they who bear responsibility for the pressures which so many countries are facing at this very moment. Let no one deny that the pressures are very real. The scale and speed of the new arrivals have challenged the ability to respond, and have gone well beyond anything that countries planned for. The need for a new comprehensive approach at European Union level to the issues of migration and asylum is clear. Progress remains slow, however, as member states continue to struggle with such difficult issues as relocation, secondary movements and reform of the core regulations.

Currently under way in Europe is the largest land war in three quarters of a century. Not only has a European state been invaded but the invader has also deliberately sought to target civilian infrastructure and life. These are war crimes by any definition and this is what lies at the heart of why tens of thousands have travelled here seeking refuge over the past year. This is why the entire system of providing for those seeking to apply for international protection has been placed under a strain, which is undeniable. There are up to 75,000 people here who have fled Putin's war crimes. This has undeniably led to very serious strain but let us be very clear that our national response has overwhelmingly been true to our best values. More than 6,000 homes are welcoming these war refugees. Every part of Government and local government has contributed with truly exceptional measures. Schools in every area of the country have opened their arms widely to new pupils and have shown a deep commitment to respect and solidarity.

This is an international challenge and Ireland has consistently argued that a comprehensive, holistic European Union approach has to be devised in order for Europe to effectively address the wider migration situation. We recognise that solidarity and responsibility are essential as pillars of any new and comprehensive system. Ireland is making a positive contribution wherever we can and we are, as a Government, working intensively on ongoing co-operation.

In my areas of responsibility I want to particularly acknowledge the work of Óglaigh na hÉireann in terms of saving lives in the Mediterranean and in airlift operations. On the domestic front, the Department of Defence is also engaging on a request for accommodation and supports across Government in response to migration pressures. Following a request from the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy O'Gorman, we made lands at Gormanston military installation in County Meath available for emergency accommodation and for use as a reception centre for Ukrainian nationals from July to October 2022. The use of Ballymullen Barracks in Tralee has allowed Kerry County Council to accommodate Ukrainian nationals. It has capacity for up to 60 people. The military installation at Kilbride Army Camp in County Wicklow is being made available for emergency short-term accommodation. It had an initial maximum capacity for 75 people and this has increased to 130 people in recent weeks.

The camp is currently being used to accommodate international protection applicants in co-ordination with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. The Defence Forces have also provided valuable practical support such as tentage and engineering assistance at a site in Knockalisheen, County Clare. The tentage erected onsite provides additional accommodation for up to 104 applicants at an existing direct provision centre. This site is a Department of Defence landholding which was already in use as a direct provision centre. The Defence Forces are also providing logistical assistance to other agencies in a range of areas. In addition, Civil Defence units across the country continue to provide supports at local authority level for Ukrainians seeking protection in Ireland. This includes assistance at temporary rest centres and provision of transport for school registration and medical appointments. In the context of today’s meeting, I will be working with the Defence Forces to see what more we can to do to be of continuing logistical support to all of the other State agencies.

We are playing our part at home and abroad in alleviating the pressures right now but we must not lose sight of the bigger picture. We can only achieve real progress if we work with our international partners to tackle the root causes of migration, from conflict and climate change to poverty and inequality. This will require even stronger partnerships underpinned by development assistance. Our assistance includes substantial support for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR. Ireland is a permanent member of the UNHCR’s executive committee and is a member of its major donors' group. We welcome the current emphasis on external aspects of migration, including the effort to establish co-operation and mutually beneficial partnerships with countries of origin and transit. At the same time, the EU’s relationships with countries of origin or transit should not be defined solely in terms of migration.

In our national response to this issue, we will continue to emphasise the requirement for all international humanitarian and legal obligations to be observed. The right to claim asylum is a fundamental principle of international law and our human rights systems. It cannot be diluted, nor can states seek a derogation from their obligations. Equally, the scale of the war-caused pressures of this moment reinforce the need for the system to deal quickly with applications so we have the ability to help those who are fleeing war and persecution.

When we look at some recent public demonstrations, I think we all need to make sure that we do nothing to inflame delicate situations. The populist approach of always presenting everything as being about the elite or the Government being responsible never brings anything positive and can be dangerous at moments when some seek to exploit public concerns. Angry intimidation of people we disagree with has no place in a free democracy such as ours. The Irish people have overwhelmingly shown during the past year and throughout recent years their commitment to humanitarian values. This has not changed and I believe it will not change. We will do everything we possibly can to build co-ordination and to respond to this unique moment in modern history.

Is cuid lárnach agus luachmhar dár n-oidhreacht sa tír seo cairdeas agus tacaíocht a thabhairt dár gcomharsana béal dorais agus, níos tábhachtaí ná sin, do strainséirí. Bhuail mé le déanaí le múinteoirí agus scoileanna éagsúla ar fud na tíre agus bhí sé dochreidte an méid atá déanta acu chun oiliúint a thabhairt do leanaí ón Úcráin agus ó áiteanna eile thar lear a fheiceáil. Gabhaim buíochas ó chroí leo.

See this speech in context