Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support the call for a debate in this House. As of today, the figures for international protection applicants not offered accommodation is 1,780, which is 65 more than last Friday. I ask for that debate to take place because what is happening in our name is shocking. It is shocking for those living in tents, as has been described, and particularly dangerous for public discourse. I see posters going up in Galway that are absolutely shocking. I know the Taoiseach is nodding his head in agreement but I am afraid the Government has left a vacuum. It has let this happen by doing this. It was told direct provision was inadequate. It was told to change that and the narrative emanating at the moment from the Government and on the right is dangerous, appalling and against our international obligations. I see the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, is there. He was left on his own for a long time and there was no joined-up thinking from the Government on this. We are utterly failing in our obligations under international treaties and conventions and all of the time a horrible, horrible discourse is prevailing.

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