A Personal view by Paul Ross
A mother helping her young children from the war torn rubble of her home, their meagre belongings wheeled in a makeshift cart, this is an image that pulls at the heart strings of anyone with an ounce of humanity and this is the image in one’s mind that makes it so hard to argue against the current asylum policies as they apply in Ireland but does that image reflect the real picture .
Recent events at City West and the disillusionment with the electoral process as witnessed by the number of spoiled votes in the recent Presidential election seems to indicate to most people that Ireland is at a crossroads politically, its policies on asylum seekers a cause of major discontent with voters.
Where are we going?
The question is not difficult, do you begrudge a person protection and shelter who has been forced to leave their own country for their safety or because of war,?
The answer however is not so simple, it depends who among the asylum seekers are genuine and who are not ?
To answer that question an investigation and a determination must be made in each individual case and this takes time and a budget.
In the meantime It is not difficult to see that both Ireland and Europe are having difficulty coping with the influx of asylum seekers. While there is no argument with people coming from Ukraine seeking shelter following the Russian invasion, it has to be said opinions differ regarding the influx of very large numbers of asylum seekers from other countries.
How did we get here
Although this was happening throughout Europe well in advance of Ireland it appears we were not prepared. For years people showed up at airports and borders seeking asylum having destroyed their passports before presenting at passport control a fact that wasn’t properly investigated then and allowed to continue for some time. This general lack of proper scrutiny and Ireland’s health/accommodation and associated benefits made Ireland an attractive destination. All was fine until it wasn’t. Now there is a problem ?
Who are they and where are they all coming from ?
From the Irish Government’s “International Protection in Numbers” dataset: for 2023 the top 10 nationalities of applications simply for “International Protection” are:
For 2024 there are some more recent data for the main nationalities (not full top-10): for instance Nigeria ~4,037, Jordan ~2,877, Pakistan ~1,390, Somalia ~1,308, Bangladesh ~1,007.
In 2024, Ireland received 18,560 applications for international protection. The International Protection Office issued a total of 13,099 decisions of which 3,888 were positive (30% overall protection rate). 28% of the applicants were children under 18 and there was a significant increase in the number of unaccompanied minors arriving in the country. The main countries of origin of asylum applicants were Nigeria, Jordan, Pakistan, Somalia and Bangladesh. Unaccompanied minors coming to the country has got to be a major concern.
The reality
Like it or not the reality is our infrastructure is struggling under the pressure, hospitals, schools, housing,
Hotels are been converted into Ipas centres with a huge loss to local communities and huge profits to those taking advantage. Instead of the harmonious integration we seek we are in very real danger of areas becoming ghetto like and thus creating a radicalised society where incidents of crime and cultural difference will be used to amplify racism.
Common Sense
Common sense tells us where all this is leading. Change is needed, while we all have a responsibility and want to help those that are most vulnerable (the Irish have never been lacking in this regard) you cannot achieve that by weakening the whole fabric of society. It has to be done in an ordered fashion, solid foundations, proper checks and balances need to be in place so that Ireland is not exploited by those taking advantage and a proper pathway laid out for genuine asylum seekers to start a new life.
Unfortunately those who advocate for change are often labelled racist, a ploy frequently used to stigmatize legitimate concerns but lets’ be honest, the path we’re on now is leading us nowhere.
It should also be noted that legitimate immigration is not or ever has been an issue and it is unfair for some people to use it in any debate on this issue. According to government sources more than 80 per cent of applications for international protection were rejected in January. Minister Jim O’Callaghan said that “too many people” are coming to Ireland seeking international protection who are not entitled to it. I do hope people are not calling him a racist.
Author: Paul Ross, Born and educated in Ireland, spent his early working life in Dublin moved abroad during the recession of the 80’s returning some ten years later to set up in business in Ireland. He has felt increasingly concerned about the what is happening in Ireland in relation to asylum seekers and lack of constructive dialogue which has resulted in extremes both right & left controlling the narrative. He asked the BIG issue for this space to articulate his views.
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