Alison Comyn (Fianna Fail)

Like my colleague, I begin by commending the Minister of State and my colleague, the Minister for justice, Deputy O'Callaghan, on the decisive and proactive stance both have taken on migration since assuming office. It has been a clear and firm message to everybody that while Ireland has a proud humanitarian tradition, we cannot allow our migration system to be overwhelmed or abused. The leadership of the Minister and the Minister of State brings a much needed sense of direction and reassurance to this debate. It is to be welcomed but we all know that migration is one of the most defining issues of our time. Across Europe, it is testing the resilience of governments and the cohesion of communities, and Ireland is no different. We must balance our well-known compassion with control, to ensure that those in genuine need of protection are supported, while also maintaining public confidence that the system is, as the Minister of State says, fair and enforced. The reality is that communities across the country are under severe pressure. Housing, healthcare and education systems are overstretched. People are very worried about the pace and scale of arrivals. My hometown of Drogheda is suffering economically from the stripping of our tourism accommodation and other buildings for IPAS accommodation. As I know from over the summer, not enough school places are being provided for the volume of new arrivals. At the same time, too many asylum seekers face long delays, poor accommodation and a lot of uncertainty about their future and status.

The benefits of migration both culturally and economically cannot be ignored. They are abundant. I live near one of the largest regional hospitals. We have nursing, hospitality and culinary. We have vibrant Indian, Pakistani and Filipino communities. We simply cannot survive without them.

I like the idea outlined by the Minister of State of a contribution initiative for a much fairer system. As the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, has said, we need a system that is rules based, transparent and efficient, but that means properly resourcing the International Protection Office to make timely decisions. It also means firm enforcement when applications are unfounded, so that the system cannot be manipulated, and it means real integration supports for those entitled to protection, enabling them to contribute positively to Irish society.

As was mentioned earlier today, another challenge is the toxic impact of misinformation and rumour, much of it spread, as the Minister of State said himself, through social media. This is fuelling division and fear in communities and we must be proactive in providing the facts, as outlined by my colleague Senator Rabbitte. We must engage openly with local people and consult them before, not after, the decisions are made. Ireland can manage this challenge but only, as has been mentioned, with honesty, resources and leadership. I believe the firm and clear approach being taken by the Minister of State and the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, is the right starting point. It is one that the House should wholeheartedly support.