Bacik: Government rhetoric fuels division

Labour Leader Ivana Bacik TD said today that Government has adopted a dangerous and unjustified shift in migration policy that is causing potential harm to vulnerable people, and contributing to the escalation of prejudice in communities.

Speaking at Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil, Deputy Bacik urged the Taoiseach to reverse recent policy changes and adopt a constructive migration approach rooted in human dignity and evidence, not political posturing.

Deputy Bacik said that since the General Election this Government has performed a clear turnaround on immigration.

She said Cabinet Ministers are now expressing rhetoric that tends towards scapegoating of migrants for failures in housing, infrastructure and public services. She warned that this shift has emboldened discrimination against immigrants and people of colour, and called on the Government to initiate a national information campaign to emphasise the enormous economic and social contribution to Irish society being made by migrant workers and refugees.

Deputy Bacik said:

“It is deeply regrettable to see Ministers speaking about ‘too many immigrants’ arriving. This Government is clearly hardening rhetoric and policy on migration. Asylum seekers will be made to pay rent to the State despite the Minister admitting that the impacts of the scheme are unclear. Supports for Ukrainian refugees have been stripped away, disproportionately affecting women, children and older people who came here fleeing war. These are not evidence based policies. They are performative – a form of deterrence theatre.

“The Taoiseach’s reply to me on this today was inadequate. He did not engage with the real issue or offer any plan to protect those affected. He failed to give sufficient emphasis to the fact that Ireland’s hospitality, tech, health and social care sectors depend heavily on migrant workers.

“Labour is calling for a halt to plans for rent charges on asylum seekers, a reinstatement of adequate supports for Ukrainian refugees and a positive national migration strategy that recognises the vital contribution of migrant workers.

“There is a stark disconnect between Government rhetoric and its stated solidarity with vulnerable communities. The contrast between the justifiably warm reception given to President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oireachtas, and the withdrawal of financial supports from Ukrainian refugees undermines Ireland’s  position of solidarity and sends a message of exclusion.

“Government must end performative immigration measures and adopt an evidence-led approach. Migrant workers and refugees make an indispensable contribution to Ireland’s economy, health and social care system, and to local communities. People deserve to live without fear, to work without discrimination and to raise their families without being scapegoated for political convenience.

“Asylum seekers, refugees and people of colour should not feel unsafe in their own streets. Migrant workers who care for our loved ones should not be targeted by harmful rhetoric. Families deserve better. The Government must act now.”