Deputy Mattie McGrath calls For Immigration Debate

In a statement today the Rural Independent Group say: “The rapid influx of immigrants into Ireland has put an enormous strain on the country’s housing and healthcare systems.

 

Despite the fact that the current demand for housing is already surpassing the supply, tens of thousands of new residents continue to arrive here.

 

This situation is particularly concerning as the government has neglected its responsibilities in addressing the housing crisis, health concerns, and immigration policies.”

 

“The housing crisis and its intersection with immigration has become the biggest issue facing Ireland.

 

The government’s embrace of migration policies has only made the situation worse, with no solutions in sight for Irish citizens who are now homeless or languishing on social housing wait lists.

Moreover, the government’s attempts to block public discussion and restrict freedom of expression through hate speech laws is unacceptable.”

 

“Since March, there has been a significant increase in the number of non-Ukrainian asylum seekers coming to Ireland from countries such as Somalia, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Georgia, which is considered to be a safe and potential EU candidate country.

 

This rise in immigration has accompanied the arrival of approximately 77,000 Ukrainian refugees in the country.

 

“We are calling for an urgent debate in the Dail to address the government’s immigration policies and to allow for a much-needed national conversation.

 

The time has come to step back and evaluate the situation to ensure that critical problems are not being exacerbated.

 

It is imperative to have an open and honest national conversation about immigration policies without the fear of being labelled as racist or xenophobic. This is a crucial public policy area that requires democratic scrutiny and examination.”

Meanwhile Deputy McGrath speaking on Tipp FM hit out at false claims that Somalian refugees had moved into the former Bank of Ireland premises in Cahir.

 

A photo of a bus parked outside the building on The Square was posted on social media with claims that refugees were being bussed into the town at 6 o’clock on a Bank Holiday morning while people were asleep.

 

This photo was subsequently shared on a number of sites throughout the day.

 

It later emerged that the bus in question stops outside the bank every morning to bring workers to a local factory and had no involvement with refugees or asylum seekers.

 

Speaking on Tipp Today earlier Independent TD Mattie McGrath said posting false claims on social media is not acceptable.

 

“It’s a pity this gentleman – and people have a fair idea who it was – took this photograph early in the morning. People going to work, keeping a valuable business going in Cahir and a private coach company – put two and two together and got 24.

“Apart from peoples misuse of social media and calling me a liar – I value my good name and my honesty above anything in politics.

 

The real problem is there is no proper information, no dialogue, no proper plan in place.”

Deputy McGrath says Cahir is a very welcoming town to people of all nationalities.

Speaking on Tipp on Tuesday Deputy McGrath said Cahir has already opened its arms to people from many countries.

 

“I think there’s up to 27 nationalities in the National School not to mind the Coláiste and the factory there. They play their part – many of them have their own business and many of them are employed.

 

“They’re welcome and they have been welcomed. We saw the outpouring of grief earlier on when the Ukraine was started and the (Cahir) people rallied.

 

“Cahir has an unblemished record as regards that thankfully and we want to keep it that way. We don’t want alarmist comments that could lead to unsavoury activity or a big protest.”