Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)

For too long Government policy on migration has been a story of reaction, crisis and abdication of duty. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have allowed our system to be dictated by profiteers and unchecked market forces, utterly failing communities and those seeking protection alike. Our international protection system, for example, is not fit for purpose. Decisions and appeals still take far too long, enforcement is weak or non-existent and a small number of private operators are making many millions from inappropriate accommodation. There is a complete lack of transparency and Sinn Féin demands a full review of all IPAS contracts to end this disgusting profiteering.

The Government's decision to sign up in full to the EU migration pact was a mistake. We said it at the time and we maintain that position. It handed over power on migration and undermines our sovereignty to make decisions based on our unique circumstances. Similarly, the extension of the temporary protection directive without discussion is not sustainable. We need a planned approach that provides certainty and a return to ordinary rules.

The Government's failure to plan has stripped communities of agency, stripped them of their voice and created a hostile environment which is exploited by those intent on sowing division. That said, there can be no tolerance for racism. There can be no place for racism in Ireland. Sinn Féin believes in a better way. Migration must be managed in the best interests of all who live here. That means ending section 5 and other planning exemptions for accommodation, linking accommodation location to services and capacity, and proper community engagement. It means a real integration strategy built from the ground up. It means tying work and student permits to the realities of our housing crisis and wage pressures. We need a system that is fair efficient and enforced, and based on the capacity of our communities.

It is in the best interests of everyone to have a system we can all have confidence in that protects us all. It is the only way.

I heard some commentary and criticism of a rules-based system. We need a rules-based system. It needs to be such that people have confidence in it because people have a lack of faith in the system. They see it being used by a small number of people to make a huge amount of money. They do not have confidence in it. We need a system that people have confidence in and that assures them that those who coming here to contribute to the economy or are entitled to protection that the system can provide them with that. We need people to have confidence in the system.

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