Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent)

I cannot say much in two minutes other than to point out that we need a much wider debate on this issue. Without proper, respectful discourse, a vacuum is created and that vacuum is taken over by radical groups that foment hatred and spew disinformation. That leads to there being open season to verbally abuse and possibly physically abuse anyone on a bus with darker skin. We have seen that happening all around the country and I have seen it in my constituency. It is absolutely reprehensible. At the same time, there are groups using identity politics to stir up, antagonise and cast aspersions on people who raise genuine concerns.

The fact is that 74% of asylum applicants in the country at the moment are found, after appeal, not to have the right to remain. They are economic migrants. I have said to the Taoiseach previously that many of them are genuine, decent people who only want a better life, but the asylum process is not the way to apply to remain. We need workers, as Deputy Fitzmaurice said, and we always will need workers. There is an issue with an industrial policy that brings the likes of software localisation to Dublin, where there is huge pressure on house prices, when there are rural areas that could do with more children in local schools and where shopfronts and rooms above shops are lying idle. That is an issue for a wider debate.

We need a citizens' convention on the issue of asylum policy and immigration to facilitate a fact-based, respectful discussion that takes into account our international obligations to support those fleeing persecution and also looks at the common good in Ireland and our capacity to provide support for people. That would be a fair discussion. We can discuss immigration and asylum but not other people because of their background or the colour of their skin. Let us please have that wider debate.

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