Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Let me be clear - arson cannot be tolerated or justified and it cannot be seen as any form of protest. Arson is not a way to express frustration. Its only purpose is to sow division, fear and distrust in our communities. For the people who do this and who seek to do the same in other forums, the truth is secondary. It is not a primary concern for them because if the truth and accuracy of information were important to them, those bad actors would try to find that out. They do not, though.

In the situations we have seen, rumours can be enough for those nameless people to feel as though they have a cause, one they try to present in a package of patriotism or community involvement when the reality is that they have little or no care for communities. This is especially the case when we consider that they have no problem with setting fires and causing damage and danger in those same localities. They believe in consequences for people they deem "the other", but they do not have the courage or conviction to come forward and justify their acts. They are cowards.

Matters have reached such a stage that rumours are becoming increasingly concerning. When rumours begin to go around about a property possibly being refurbished or brought back from vacancy, concerns are expressed – I have encountered this myself – about whether the property might be at risk. When this happens, I have contacted the Department to confirm or deny the rumours so that there is less chance of a vacuum of information being filled by misinformation and the other consequences that may have. The Department could be more timely on this front. When requests for information of this nature are responded to, the Department should relay information to all local representatives so that there is a common level of knowledge that can be conveyed to people. A fractured and piecemeal approach serves no one.

Before any of those involved in these criminal acts thinks that the fact we are discussing this matter today is in any way giving credence to the actions of criminals, it is not. We are expressing our united opposition to their acts, and we would remind them that, in our view, the full weight of the law should come down on them for their mindless acts. Those acts have not contributed anything positive to the issue. All it has done is leave communities in fear that criminal behaviour will result from those who pretend to be opposed to criminality. Someone will get killed if this is allowed to continue.

We have a duty as public representatives to call out these actions and condemn them completely. The people who commit them are not representative of the communities in which they carry them out. They do not speak for any community at all. What communities want is adequate and timely communication. They want their particular circumstances to be taken into account when plans are being made. When information is not forthcoming, there are some bad actors, who usually come from elsewhere to try to insert their own agenda into the information vacuum. Communities do not want this. Communities want the Government to recognise their needs and when they are struggling. Unfortunately, though, it is often the case that communities are struggling because of a failure of the Government. It can be the consequence of a failure to implement centrally contracted GPs as part of Sláintecare. It can be the lack of balanced regional development or the inadequate resourcing of our schools. Community concerns can also stem from a lack of preparation on the Government’s part, for example, its failure to implement its own plan to construct State-led and human rights-compliant accommodation centres. Such centres are badly needed so that we can reduce our reliance on buildings and land that should really be used for other purposes, for example, hotels and nursing homes, while also avoiding putting further pressure on student accommodation and ordinary housing in general.

We cannot lose sight of the fact that we have a duty to people seeking refuge and a duty to live up to those commitments. We also have a duty to our communities. The Government must live up to this obligation by acting on these measures, which can unite people and address disinformation and those who use it to stoke up division.

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