Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

It is imperative that all of us condemn all violence and intimidation of international protection applicants at IPAS centres, which many applicants call home. Across Europe, every country is facing the same challenge, namely how to manage immigration fairly and firmly. Ireland is no different from its European counterparts. They have tightened their systems, sped up decisions and focused support on those who genuinely need protection. Ireland is now mirroring many of those same measures. We have started to cut processing times from years to months and increased voluntary returns to help people to go home safely and with dignity. We are moving towards State-owned accommodation, which offers better oversight and value for money than the private providers.

What is quite frustrating for many communities is that, even where applications for IPAS centres by private providers are refused, some of the providers, such as Shalom in Kilcock, continue to carry out works without the necessary planning permission, causing division in communities such as that in Kilcock and, as referred to by Deputy Neville, that near Ryevale House in Leixlip.

One area where we could go further is at the very start of the process at our borders. Across the EU, new border procedures are being introduced so applications can be screened quickly for identity, security and eligibility before people enter the asylum system. France and Germany have already begun this and it is proving effective. Ireland should follow that model. A properly designed border screening process would mean that clear initial decisions could be made within days, not months. Those with strong claims could move swiftly into protection and integration, while those without grounds would receive a fair early decision and be supported to return home. This would reduce the backlog, cut costs and give the public confidence that the system is being managed properly.

An immigration system without clear rules is not fair to those seeking refuge, to those already living here and to the communities coping with stretched housing and services. We have heard arguments in this regard time and again throughout the country. Since the start of the year, over 80% of first-instance asylum applications have been refused. That shows that the system is being overwhelmed by unsuitable cases. People are waiting too long and communities are being left without clarity.

Across Europe, governments are responding to the same pressures. Ireland is doing so too, but we can go further, learning from our partners while staying true to our values. Denmark and the UK now offer support for voluntary return because it is more humane and costs less. Belgium and Germany link accommodation contributions to income, ensuring fairness for taxpayers. Ireland is now taking similar steps, and I believe this is the right approach.

Ireland cannot do everything for everyone but we can do what is right and we can do it well. We can uphold our international obligations, protect our communities and maintain public trust. The Irish people want order, compassion and competence. They want a system that works, and that is what we must deliver.

The system must work not only for those already living here but also for those seeking protection. We have an international duty to care for those who come here in good faith. We must ensure that they are protected, that educational and social supports are in place and that we build an integrated community, not a segregated one.

We have seen good, important examples of where international protection applicants and refugees have been integrated into communities through GAA and soccer clubs and schools. That is key to ensuring that there is no secrecy and that people – both those coming to this country and those here already – feel they are involved in society. It is important that the process be open, fair and clear.

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