Anti-racism rally and migrants
Deputy Murphy highlights a rally against racism and argues refugees are being scapegoated for the housing crisis. The Tánaiste says the national anti-racism action plan will be published early next year and stresses that migrants are welcome and vital to public services and the economy.
United Against Racism is holding a rally today at 5.30 p.m. at the Spire to state clearly that we have a housing crisis, not a refugee crisis, and that refugees are welcome here. It is an expression of unity and solidarity in response to the division and hate being spread by the far right. People who arrive here are fleeing wars, climate change and brutal oppression. They are not responsible for the housing crisis, which existed well before they arrived. Blaming asylum seekers plays into the hands of those profiting from that crisis, namely, corporate landlords and big developers. Instead of being divided, we need to unite, welcome those coming here and fight together for the homes and services we all need. When will the action plan against racism be published? I understand it was submitted by the independent anti-racism committee on 27 June but still has not been brought to Government.
Comment on this
The plan has not yet been brought to Government but I am informed by the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, that we will publish the national action plan against racism early next year, hopefully in January or February. I note the Deputy's comments. Migrants are welcome in Ireland. If it were not for migrants, we would not be able to staff our public services. Many of the big companies that employ many people and pay a lot of tax would not be here if it they could not recruit people from abroad. Migrants enrich our society and make it a better place. It is an old-fashioned trope for centuries among people on the far right and others that if there is unemployment, crime or a housing crisis, migrants are to blame. That is totally wrong.