Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

We have a legal, moral and cultural obligation to accommodate refugees and asylum seekers safely. Ireland has requirements under international law to have systems to receive refugees and allow individuals to apply for asylum. We also have moral responsibilities to help people escape violence or individuals being persecuted because of their faith or sexuality. As a nation with a long history of emigration, it would be beyond hypocritical if we did not try to help immigrants to integrate.

It is important to outline those principles because they are being intentionally muddied and rejected by some people. There are small groups of agitators only interested in spreading misinformation and that is causing hate and fear. It is important to note in the week of anniversaries of marriage equality and repeal that these groups also oppose LGBT+ rights and want to remove a woman’s right to choose. Unfortunately, these vile messages have become easier to spread since Covid with too many people relying on unverified sources and rumours for their news. In response, we as public representatives have the choice to stoke up fears or help alleviate concerns and work towards solutions. Today we should be focused on the best ways to address challenges in accommodating refugees and asylum seekers and ensuring people understand the facts.

After President Putin’s unilateral attack, the Irish public showed sustained support for the Ukrainian people. Communities across the country mobilised to offer assistance and many households took families in. Most quickly became involved in the local communities through sports teams, Tidy Towns and community groups. Children have integrated into our schools and in many areas, like mine, they have saved rural schools from closure. The Government response, particularly in the early months, was significant. There was a strong sense of immediacy and co-operation. However, as the situation has continued, the Minister and his Department have been left with sole responsibility. The Taoiseach is eager to say there is a whole-of-government response but there is no evidence of that.

While I acknowledge the distinct pressure the Minister faces, that cannot justify asylum seekers being left to fend for themselves on the streets. Given no alternatives, people have had to pitch tents outside the International Protection Accommodation Services. In a truly disgusting scene, a small group attacked the camp less than two weeks ago. The Government has failed in its duty to protect these people. Although this point was never in doubt, it has been underlined by the recent High Court ruling concerning the failure to provide international protection applicants with material reception conditions, and that is unlawful. An Afghan asylum seeker had to take the case after being told accommodation would be provided once it was available and being sent onto our streets with nothing but a €28 Dunnes voucher. How is that ever justifiable? Presumably this was Department policy. We are all aware of the extreme oppression of the Afghani people and what they have experienced at the hands of the Taliban, yet an individual fleeing that regime is given a voucher and told “Good luck”. Mr. Justice Meenan was clear in his ruling that, even though the Minister is making efforts to secure accommodation, this does not absolve him of his obligations under the regulations. Clearly, giving the applicant a €28 voucher for a supermarket and then the addresses of charities does not come close to what is required. Will the Minister clarify what is currently happening to individuals applying for asylum? If a woman escaping severe suppression by the Taliban or a gay man fleeing one of the 64 countries with laws criminalising homosexuality applies for asylum today, what are they being told and offered?

There are larger issues with the asylum system. I am regularly contacted by constituents concerned that in addressing the Ukrainian crisis, the promised reforms of direct provision have been sidelined. I have to agree with them. We all understood there would be delays when we found out how many people would be coming into the country that we could not have anticipated, but recommendations in the Catherine Day report have not been implemented. The State’s response for Ukrainians has shown it is possible to allow those fleeing violence the opportunity to take up work and be issued PPSNs, while those in direct provision wait months for a temporary residence certificate and have highly restrictive working permissions. The Minister faces considerable challenges but, just as people in direct provision are left in limbo for years, it is increasingly looking like the reforms of the system are also being left in limbo.

When people come into communities, because of the lack of Government communication in an area, something else fills that void. It is misinformation and it scares other people. It leaves many Opposition Deputies attending meetings where we try to alleviate fears, reassure people there is a plan and do all the things the Government should be doing. I do not think it is too late to bring in a plan that does not allow that space to be created where people can say nobody told us and nobody did anything. Just help us. It would be easier for everybody.

See this speech in context