Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

That is my responsibility and obligation and I have done that.

Let me now address the issue of Roscrea. On four occasions in the past year, I have raised the subject of immigration policy and the lack of strategy. Each time I spoke in this Chamber, I illustrated Roscrea as a classic example of a system that is not working – a town that was overburdened, overwhelmed and in urgent need of vital services to be improved and supplemented. The Government did not listen. It ignored the legitimate and genuine concerns of the people of Roscrea. The people of Roscrea are compassionate by nature. After assurances and enhanced support networks, they accepted without protest a direct provision centre with hundreds of asylum seekers, as well as a centre to house 400 Ukrainian refugees. The reality is that this influx accounts for up to 20% of the population of Roscrea now. Therefore, by any sensible, reasonable, logical or sustainable criteria, you would have to conclude that Roscrea had already exceeded its capacity. This Government has failed Roscrea on immigration. It neglected to support the town in its time of greatest need.

During all of last year, the Government dismissed my real and genuine concerns and I can say today without fear that this Government has let down the people of Roscrea. The current unacceptable situation would have been avoidable, had the Government listened, responded and acted to address policing, educational, medical, social and recreational needs. There has been a flurry of activity in the past 48 hours; face-saving proposals after the damage has been done.

The Government is on the run on immigration policy and is making it up as it goes along. How many times have we heard from Ministers in this House that there should be consultation and communication? In the case of Roscrea, there was no consultation and with the current system, we are not getting consultation or openness and transparency. What we are getting are deals done and contracts signed that are shrouded in secrecy until the last minute. This alienates the local community and leads to suspicion and distrust.

Can I remind Members of this House that Roscrea is a traditional rural town? It is a friendly and welcoming town. Its people have shown great generosity and kindness. It is a town with an excellent community spirit that has coped with a lot of setbacks and adversity. It is a town that is fighting back through its community and voluntary leaders and organisations. I work closely with these groups. Many positive things are happening in Roscrea. Projects have been sanctioned that will bring enterprise and jobs and stimulate the local economy.

Under the town and village renewal scheme, the Minister has sanctioned and funded crucial revitalisation projects. It is rather ironic that while her Department is assisting with the renewal of the town, another Department has taken the extraordinary decision to take the only hotel in the town out of commission. How can it be acceptable for a Department to be complicit in such action?

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