Tipperary TD says Government is 'on the run with immigration policy' and making it up

The Government needs to treat with urgency the necessity for a complete overhaul of immigration policy and strategy, according to Tipperary TD Michael Lowry.

Tyhe Independent TD told the Dáil this Wednesday during Leaders Questions that last year he had stated in the House that there was a need for a complete review and a fair and balanced approach with equality of distribution across the country.

"We need to assess, evaluate and reach a consensus on a precise and measured approach to what is a major current and ongoing issue for the foreseeable future. Due to Government inaction and complacency, it has become a serious issue with the potential to become a national crisis," he said.

"Government is on the run with immigration policy and making it up as it goes along," said Deputy Lowry.

Addressing Minister Heather Humphries, Deputy Lowry said: "How many times have we heard Government Ministers state that there should be consultation and communication. In the case of Roscrea there was zero consultation. With the current system we are not getting consultation. We are not getting openness and transparency. What we are getting is deals done, contracts signed, shrouded in secrecy until the last minute. This alienates the local community and leads to suspicion and distrust," he said.

Deputy Lowry said that the Government had failed Roscrea on immigration.

"You neglected to support this town in its time of greatest need. During all of last year you dismissed my real and genuine concerns. You let down the people of Roscrea," he said.

"On four different occasions in the past year, I have raised the subject of immigration policy and lack of strategy. Each time I spoke in this Chamber I illustrated Roscrea as a classic example of a system that is not working. A town that was overburdened, overwhelmed and in urgent need of vital services to be improved and supplemented. This Government did not listen. You ignored the legitimate and genuine concerns of the people of Roscrea’ he said.

The Thurles TD said that the people of Roscrea were compassionate by nature.

After assurances of enhanced support networks they accepted without protest a Direct Provision Centre with hundreds of asylum seekers and also a centre to house 400 Ukrainian refugees, said Deputy Lowry.

"The reality is that this influx accounts for up to 20% of the population of Roscrea. Therefore under any sensible, reasonable, logical or sustainable criteria you would have to conclude that Roscrea had exceeded its capacity.

"Roscrea is a traditional rural town. Roscrea is a friendly welcoming place. Its people have shown great generosity and kindness. It’s a town with an excellent community spirit. A town that has coped with a lot of setbacks and adversity. A town that is fighting back through its community and voluntary leaders and organisations. I worked closely with these groups. A lot of positive things are happening in Roscrea. Projects have been sanctioned, which will bring enterprise, jobs and stimulate the local economy," he said.

Deputy Lowry said that Minister Humphries, under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, had sanctioned and funded crucial revitalisation projects.

"It is rather ironic that while your Department is assisting with the renewal of the town, another Department of State has taken the extraordinary decision to take over the only hotel in the town. How can it be acceptable for a Department to be complicit in such action?" he asked.

‘Your flawed immigration policy and Government decision to overburden Roscrea has caused immense damage to the image, the social cohesion and the wellbeing of the town and it’s people. The people of Roscrea feel that they have been taken for granted and it will take a high powered coordinated and managed response to reclaim the shattered confidence of the people of Roscrea.

"The present unacceptable situation in Roscrea was avoidable had you listened, responded and acted to address policing, educational, medical, social and recreational needs of the town. We now have a flurry of face-saving proposals after the damage has already been done," said the TD.

He welcomed all and every initiative that can be taken to support and assist Roscrea town and its people.

"I have to agree that it is comical politics to close one hotel and buy another one the day after. I have serious reservations about the practicalities of this exercise but in the interest of the town I am prepared to give it consideration," said Deputy Lowry.

He revealed that, earlier on Wednesday, he had received a telephone call from a private individual who was interested in purchasing the property as a hotel subject to substantial grant assistance from Government.

"We should examine a private purchase or the community option carefully before proceeding," he said.