Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is disappointing that such an important matter has been refused a proper debate in this Dáil until now. Inward migration has been left run out of control. In a recent Red C poll that was made very clear when more than 70% of people said we have done enough. However, this Government has ignored all concerns and rolled on as if the people of Ireland should not be listened to. We all know now that recent statements by the Taoiseach that we should slow the flow have come too late. The massive majority know that the slowing of the flow should have started last year. The Government has made shocking mistakes by opening our doors to everyone and anyone, especially to non-documented persons. This has led to genuine fears throughout the country.

As a local public representative, I find it impossible to find any information unless I find it out from owners of the buildings housing refugees by trying to squeeze information from them. Some of these people have made millions of euro from housing refugees. The Government does not give a damn whether these refugees have slate, metal or plastic over their heads as long as we flood Ireland with inward migrants. The Government and most Members of the Opposition in the Dáil will stoop to all levels before they allow democracy, a simple debate and an agreed way forward. Some politicians have moved this debate towards name-calling and some indecent comments have been made about incitement to hatred. This debate is about a very important topic, one that people discuss in kitchens, workplaces and coffee shops all over the country. We are here to talk about the challenges in our immigration and asylum system, which has been a major topic of discussion. Many people are worried about how this issue affects communities and resources. That is why we have brought it up.

Let me be clear: we support immigration and welcome people come here seeking asylum or to work and contribute positively to society. We recognise the benefits that immigration has brought to Ireland, especially in sectors like healthcare. However, we believe the Government should have the authority to regulate the number of people coming in. Right now, it seems the Government is avoiding dealing with immigration issues directly. This reflects a wider lack of leadership which may come from disagreements among Ministers or a lack of ability to handle these challenges. While the Government says it is very active, it often seems it is just busy without making real progress. Over the past 18 months, it has avoided discussing immigration, saying it is not the right time. We believe that now is a perfect time to have an open conversation because many people are deeply concerned.

We have tabled this motion because we think Ireland's immigration policy should be sustainable and have the support of the public. Government policies do not meet these criteria. We need a strong system to determine refugees status efficiently and, where someone does not qualify, to facilitate his or her return. At the same time, we should allow a controlled number of economically essential migrants. Ignoring this could lead to problems we have seen in other parts of Europe.

Communities all over Ireland are finding out about the relocation of asylum seekers without proper preparation, consultation or notice. Regardless of whether we agree with these objections or protests, these communities have a right to voice their concerns. It is not just the Government but some on the far left, including Members of this House, dismiss anyone with legitimate concerns about immigration. This approach, which suppresses discussion, can contribute to the rise of far-right sentiment. The Government needs to address these issues promptly to ensure a balanced and responsible approach to immigration Ireland. The current situation cannot continue.

The Government has said that Ireland has a legal obligation under EU law to accept unlimited members of asylum seekers, but this is not true. Ireland is not bound by EU law on immigration and asylum matters. When the EU proposes laws in these areas, Ireland has three months to decide if it wants to participate. If we do not opt in, we are considered to have opted out and the discussion can go on without us. Any laws passed then apply to other EU countries but not to Ireland, so Ireland is not legally required to accept unlimited numbers.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth reports a significant 37% increase in non-Ukrainian residents in international protection accommodation services, IPAS, in 2023, reaching a total of 26,092 by 26 November 2023. Currently, there are more than 26,092 IPAS residents in more than 200 centres across Ireland. This is a 150% increase from the 10,447 residents in March 2022. The cost of IPAS accommodation in 2022 alone was €356 million and is expected to exceed €500 million in 2023. Additionally, IPAS residents receive a weekly allowance after meals are provided and they can apply for further financial support, if needed. It is important to note that all these expenses are borne by taxpayers, which is a concern for the public. The lack of transparency in the significant financial matters underscores the need for an inclusive and informed discussion.

In 2022, international protection applications surged to 13,651, a 415% increase from 2021 and a 186% increase from 2019. Georgia became the leading country of origin for applicants in 2022, despite being designated as a safe country of origin by the Department of Justice. The cost to taxpayers for accommodating IPAS asylum applications from 2016 to 2022 exceeded €1 billion. In October alone, 1,382 asylum seekers arrived, with 50% of these being single males. They now make up more than 48% of all IPAS residents. Communities across the country have expressed concerns about safety, strained resources and facilities due to overcrowded accommodation, including repurposed nursing homes for single males. The lack of a clear way to distinguish genuine asylum seekers from others burdens the immigration IPAS system and causes anxiety in local communities. The data shows a concerning average of 45 daily arrivals in October. This is a 250% increase from April's average of 18 daily arrivals. While other European Union countries are tightening immigration laws, Ireland's more lenient laws attract asylum seekers, leading to what is now known as asylum tourism. The Government's immigration policy is seen as reckless and ineffective, resulting in a staggering 270% increase in the number of residents in the IPAS system since the current coalition took office.

Despite the increase in immigration, the number of non-EU nationals deported due to criminality has dropped significantly. A recent opinion poll emphasised the public's concern about immigration and the need for a genuine debate on this topic. The influx of non-Ukrainian asylum seekers has put a strain on the finances and accommodation demands of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. The rise in interest penalties reflects the chaotic system in place and the Department's inability to handle payments efficiently. This highlights the need for a more organised and transparent approach.

The Government's amendment is intentionally misleading and diverges from the general concerns of the public. Its consistent response has been to gaslight the issue, manipulating information, distorting facts and denying reality to sow doubt and confusion. This deliberate tactic undermines public trust, obscures accountability and impedes constructive dialogue on this pressing matter. Our motion explicitly does not criticise the influx of Ukrainian refugees or immigrants coming here to work but extends a warm welcome to both groups.

Instead, it specifically raises concerns about the large number of non-Ukrainian asylum seekers, many of whom are single males from safe countries of origin. The Government's response has disregarded this concern despite the country facing a critical shortage of accommodation and a continuing influx of IPAS applicants. Moreover, the Government is resorting to condescending sneering at individuals expressing concerns about uncapped numbers of asylum seekers. This not only dismisses valid apprehensions held across the State but also creates a hostile environment that discourages open discourse. This approach undermines democratic principles, stifles public engagement and fosters disdain for those seeking transparency and accountability in Government policies, thereby contributing to the breakdown of the social contract between the State and the people.

The Government's amendment is tone-deaf to the genuinely held concerns expressed about immigration nationwide, as confirmed by numerous recent opinion polls showing that a majority of Irish people believe Ireland has taken in far too many refugees. The Government's response to our motion is neither rational nor fair; instead, it is divisive and lacking. It provides no plan or strategy to address this crisis, which has been caused by the Government’s policy position on immigration. The Government's amendment falsely implies engagement with local communities throughout Ireland who have had asylum seekers placed in their local areas. However, there has been zero engagement before asylum seekers are placed in accommodation centres. The Government’s amendment fosters division by branding anyone raising valid concerns as spreading disinformation, being racist and xenophobic or engaging in conspiracy theories. This gaslights the situation rather than addressing the need for a Government that listens to the public, open dialogue, and debate that unites a country while implementing a reasonable and fair immigration policy.

Meanwhile, Labour is advocating for more funding for immigration centres, an increase in asylum seekers coming into the country despite no available accommodation, and the fast-tracking of hate speech legislation. I will not be silenced while I am in this Chamber on any issues of serious concern to my electorate.

See this speech in context