Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The matter I am raising is unique. We all know that the issues surrounding asylum seekers and refugees in our country are significant at the moment, but the town of Borrisokane, County Tipperary is unique. The Minister of State visited it and met people there. Unfortunately, various protests have been occurring across Ireland from time to time. In Borrisokane, though, the people are up in arms because the asylum seekers who have been there since 2019 are being evicted. Some are meant to leave in July. If this happens, there will be a protest of a different kind. Uniquely, and probably for the first time, the town liaison committee and many people from surrounding areas will protest the way these asylum seekers are being treated and forced out of their accommodation. They are unique because, in 2019, there were many protests around the country. I recall issues in Ballinrobe, Oughterard and elsewhere. The then Government wanted to get a handle on the situation, so the people of Borrisokane stood up and were counted. I recall the public meetings. They ensured that 16 units initially, and a further four units later, would be used for families from various wartorn areas. These are fantastic people. They made asylum seekers feel welcome and I am proud to represent that town in light of how they dealt with the situation.

There are 96 asylum seekers in Borrisokane now, including 20 families. The majority have got status in recent years while a few have not. There are 27 children in primary school, ten in secondary school and 11 at third level. Many of the adults are working. They are totally integrated. Mr. Sabelo Mavuso coaches underage soccer. He also set up a community garden in the town park. Another person volunteers with the charity ALONE and Isaiah has just won the north Tipperary under-13 C hurling championship. These individuals are part of a range of other community activities. African Day was on recently when all the community came out to support them.

Naturally enough, all of these families are integrated and much loved in Borrisokane. Through time, they may move into other accommodation in the town or in areas nearby. Most have qualified for housing assistance payment, HAP, but they cannot find anywhere to live. Uniquely in 2019, an agreement was made between the then Department of Justice and Equality, which looked after IPAS at the time, and the liaison group, that is, the community of Borrisokane. According to that agreement, if an international protection applicant for status was successful, any subsequent application by that individual to the local authority for financial assistance, that is, HAP, to enable him or her to continue residing in the Riverside centre would be a positive and long-term outcome of the community’s welcome and support. This agreement was signed by Mr. Mark Wilson, principal officer, on 28 November 2019. The community feels that that gentleman did a good job. This is a unique scenario. The word of the Government and the Department has to stand. What are we telling other communities where a progressive change has taken place and asylum seekers have been taken on board? What are we saying to other communities if the word of the Department is not kept, given this agreement from November 2019 and the contract that was signed with the Double Property Group in September 2019?

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