Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, I spoke about the rise of hatred in Ireland. On the activities I saw last night, it does not matter what party somebody is with or what their politics is. Once that politics involves hating individuals because of who they are, that is what hurts many of us in this House. It breaks my heart to see the level of hatred towards migrants and refugees, because that once happened to Travellers. I am sure to God it will continue to happen to my community. I know exactly what it feels like to come from an oppressed community and I know exactly what it feels like to be the oppressor. It is sad to hear people from my and other working-class communities speak around not having enough houses for their own. Again, I will ask the question: Who is Ireland’s own?

It upsets me that I am here as a white person who is in a safe country. I was lucky to be born in Ireland. I call for the Minister for Justice and the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to have a debate. Let us have a discussion around the services available for people who are seeking safety. We have to always put the human element into it. These people are fleeing war. These people have to flee from their countries because of their sexuality. Who are we to say that we do not want people to be safe? My child does not matter less than any other child within Irish society, nor does my child matter more. That is the same for a black or brown child or a child that is fleeing war.

The Ireland that I come from, of all of its fault, is not bitter hatred. I understand there are a few who feel that way. However, it is extremely dangerous. Genuinely, I am afraid of walking up the street and being attacked by these people of the far right.

We also have to remember that we can label them, call that racist and whatever else that goes with that, but the reality is that the people who they have with them are not racist; they are ordinary people who are living in fear, as I said yesterday. I call for a debate from the Minister of Justice, preferably, so people in this House will get an opportunity to express those debates and, most importantly, say that we are listening to our local communities. The people involved in the protest need to be listened to as well. They are not all racist or bad people. They are people who are oppressed and are becoming oppressors. We need to understand that before we label them.