Tipperary TD slams government's immigration policy as 'a catastrophic failure'

The government’s manoeuvring of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact is not only deeply troubling but also a blatant affront to democratic principles and a blatant undermining of national sovereignty.

That's according to Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath.

He says that the government employing their Dáil majority as a tool to quash public discourse and muzzle the voices of elected representatives - by deliberately obstructing a debate and vote on such a consequential pact - strikes at the very heart of democracy and undermines the foundational tenets of representative governance.

“The accommodation figures for International Protection applicants have reached a critical point, with over 28,875 individuals currently housed, predominantly single males," Deputy McGrath has stated.

"The surge in arrivals - 5,163 by the end of March - signals a trajectory that will surpass 20,000 new asylum seekers by year’s end. Financially, the burden is escalating rapidly; from last year’s expenditure of €652 million, we are now facing a projected cost of an overwhelming €1 billion, equating to €20 million weekly.

“The position of Irish taxpayers in this scenario is increasingly marginalised. Despite bearing financial responsibility, they find themselves excluded from the decision-making process, and when they dare to express their legitimate concerns, they encounter disparagement from the political establishment and segments of the media. This exclusion not only erodes the principles of democratic participation but also threatens to unravel the very fabric of our society.

“The government’s actions to deny Dáil scrutiny concerning the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, which, if implemented, would cost taxpayers an enormous amount of money, is intensifying public frustration and feelings of being disregarded. The strategic deferral to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, where the government maintains a majority, is a deliberate move to mute debate, evade thorough examination and rubber stamp approval.

“The government’s immigration policy is a catastrophic failure. It is facilitating human trafficking on an extensive scale, casting Ireland as vulnerable with easily exploitable borders, and worsening the housing crisis and social services. Moreover, it undermines our security due to the inability or unwillingness to differentiate between legitimate and illegitimate asylum seekers. The startling statistic that 85 percent of individuals who have received deportation orders in the past five years are still present in the country stands as undeniable proof of the policy’s ineffectiveness.

“As the local and European elections on June 7 draw near, I urge people to use their vote to give a decisive message to the government. Voting for independent candidates who promise to challenge the established parties of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party will send that message loud and clear.

"A vote for any incumbent government council or European candidate equates to endorsing the silencing of public discourse. But a vote for independent representatives who will place the interests of the people above party agendas and the influence of unelected officials will be empowering and a rallying cry for a restoration of democratic principles.

“I am deeply concerned about the government’s approach to migration issues and believe there is a pressing need for public engagement and transparent debate on this matter. We must support independent candidates to ensure that democracy thrives and the people’s voice is heard in governance.

"This is a call to action for the public to hold the government accountable for its policies and decisions,” concluded Deputy McGrath.