Nessa Cosgrove (Labour)

Recent weeks have sadly seen a disappointing rise in reckless commentary from politicians of various parties on the issue of migration. This motion tonight gives us the opportunity to discuss and debate the reality rather than the dog whistles. It gives us the opportunity to acknowledge that migrants to and from Ireland have contributed significantly to their new homes. We have been able to provide a place of safety to thousands of people fleeing war, persecution and oppression because it is our duty and it is the right thing to do. Of course, we condemn the recent arson attacks and all violence, especially that motivated by animosity to difference or to the other.

No one will deny that it is right that we have a fair, efficient and transparent immigration policy and that those who do not have the right to settle here are informed of such decisions swiftly and humanely. Events in my own constituency of Sligo-Leitrim have mirrored those in all other parts of the country, where rumour, innuendo and outside actors have sought to stoke fear, division and hatred. I agree wholeheartedly with the final paragraph of the motion, that we need to renew the focus and purpose of the community recognition fund to ensure that it meets the needs of local communities which are supporting new arrivals so that every community benefits from guaranteed supports for vital services.

We in the Labour Party have repeatedly called for a comprehensive public awareness campaign on immigration. We need to tell the true story of why people come to our island, who is an asylum seeker or a refugee, how they contribute to our economy and wider society, and the international obligations to which we are subject. In Sligo-Leitrim and right across the country we have new communities living alongside existing communities who are not able to access essential services such as medical care, education, and early-years care and education. Most striking of all, and the fact that justifiably causes the most outrage, is the chronic shortage of housing. Our housing crisis is not the fault of immigrants and the targeting of IPAS centres by demonstrators and criminals does not provide a solution to the housing shortage. The solutions to the shortage of housing and other essential services lie in the hands of central government. The devolving and delivery of greater powers and responsibility to local government, so that the needs of local communities, old and new, can be met has to happen as a matter of urgency. We need to stop deflecting away from this real issue.

I will briefly refer to the amendment to the motion related to the unique culture and linguistic heritage of the Irish people. Immigration to Ireland is nothing new. As Senator Clonan said, we are a mixture of the Fir Bolg, the Tuatha Dé Danann, the Celts, Vikings, Normans, Welsh, Scottish and English populations. There is no such thing as a pure Irish race. There is only one race and that is the human race. Populations mix, develop and evolve and that is the way world runs.