Sinn Féin TD for Kerry, Pa Daly, has harshly criticised the handling of accommodation for refugees and asylum seekers.
Teachta Daly said that the plight of the Ukrainian families in Killarney, given less than 48 hours’ notice to move to Mayo, has rightfully touched everyone’s hearts.
“It is encouraging to see the way the community has rallied behind these refugees, and fought for them to stay in Killarney where they have established themselves into education, school, work and the community overall since their arrival in March,” said Teachta Daly.
Much Needless Anxiety
“This decision was poorly thought out and created much needless anxiety,” he added.
“However, this incident has raised a number of issues. In general the notice periods are unfair and refugees are regularly moved from their established community and forced to leave education, schools, work and friends behind them with 24-48 hours’ notice.
“I know of cases where families have been moved five times in two months.
Why from Killarney to Mayo?
“We also need to look at the reason behind these families being moved from Killarney to Mayo. Some accommodation providers, despite generous remuneration, are telling the Department that they refuse to take male refugees and asylum seekers but will accept Ukrainians.
“This is unacceptable. When a provider signs a contract to take in refugees, they should not be allowed to determine who is acceptable and who is not.
“The fact the government was willing to endorse this prejudice is disgraceful.
Fairly and Without Discrimination
“We need to look at the programme for refugees and asylum seekers and ensure that all who arrive here under that programme are treated fairly, and without discrimination. There are 39 men sleeping on camp beds in a marquee tent at Johnson Marina with no privacy and limited access to facilities that we take for granted. Families in City West are on chairs. Inspections and monitoring are non-existent in emergency accommodation
“This was a hasty and poorly taken decision. Questions must now be asked about the lack of basic human dignity for all refugees and asylum seekers, regardless of their gender or country of origin,” said Teachta Daly in conclusion.
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