Migration policy and Thornton Hall
Senator Sharon Keogan called for a further debate on migration policy and cited research on crime and immigration in Denmark and Sweden. Her remarks then turned into a row over her comments about the Minister and Thornton Hall, with other Senators objecting and calling for the remarks to be withdrawn.
Once again, I call for a further debate on Ireland's migration policies. Tonight, in the Dáil, the Government will push through the EU migration and asylum pact. I recently received a white paper on immigration connections to crime in Denmark and Sweden and lessons for Ireland from Ryan Research. The key findings of the paper highlight the sharp increase in overall crime, particular violent and sexual offences, coinciding with substantial increases in immigration from non-western countries, in Denmark and Sweden. Furthermore, non-western immigrants and their descendents were found to be disproportionately represented in crime statistics in both countries. This emphasises the need for proactive measures to manage immigration and ensure public safety.
In 2023, 72% of the new emigrants per year to Ireland were from non-EU and non-UK countries. In 2006, non-EU and non-UK migrants accounted for only 18% of migrants. Our current number is a fourfold increase. Why is this important to note? It is because Ireland has experienced a 43% increase in violent crimes and a 113% increase in sexual offences since 2003.
We must objectively look at the positive and negative impacts on societal change. Ireland has experienced unprecedented levels of immigration in recent years. It is crucial that we learn from the experiences of our European neighbours in order to avoid potential pitfalls. Notably, Denmark will not be opting in. In Denmark, a 158% increase in the number of migrants correlated with a 31% increase in overall crime. Violent crimes increased by 94% and sexual offences increased by 248%. Last November, I was accused of using dangerous language by the Minister, Helen McEntee-----
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-----for stating similar facts. The only person putting the Irish people in danger is the Minister, Deputy McEntee, for failing to execute-----
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-----the long-held plan to turn Thornton Hall into a prison.
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I take exception to the comment made by Senator Keogan. As the Minister, Deputy McEntee, is not present to defend herself, that comment should be withdrawn.