Apologies for any confusion caused. Here is the revised version:
As a nation of migrants ourselves, it is disheartening to witness the notion that Ireland is somehow full or that we have fulfilled our responsibilities to those in need. Migration has been a part of our history, with countless individuals leaving their homes and returning when circumstances allow. To close the door on those seeking help and a better life is based on faulty assumptions and closed-mindedness.
It is essential to recognize that mismanagement of our public service has contributed to a shortage of housing and a struggling healthcare system. However, scapegoating migrants and targeting them as the source of these issues is not only unjust but also perpetuates fear and resentment. It is a dog whistle that stokes division and protects entrenched power structures.
Instead, we should be striving for a better future and rejecting the politics of division. Our economy and future prosperity rely on inward migration. We need only look at our local food industry, heavily reliant on staff from overseas, to understand the significant contributions migrants make to Ireland—from our hospitals to our hospitality industry. They help shape our nation.
The debate surrounding Councillor O’Connor’s motion cannot have made those in search of a new home feel welcome in our society. We pride ourselves on our thousand welcomes, yet it seems we are failing to extend that hospitality to those who need it most.
Furthermore, as we face the impending threat of climate catastrophe, the numbers of people seeking refuge on our island will only increase in the coming years. It is crucial that we prepare for this now, building the necessary infrastructure to integrate these individuals into our communities rather than keeping them separate.
We must rise above the fear mongers. Our shared history, as a nation of migrants ourselves, should instill in us a deep understanding of the need to travel to distant shores in search of better opportunities. Let us embrace compassion and empathy, reaffirming our commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of those seeking international protection.
