A COUNTY Limerick politician is calling on the government to hold a referendum on Ireland’s immigration policy this spring.
Rural Ireland Independent TD Richard O’Donoghue is of the view that there is an “urgent need” for public input into how Ireland manages international protection applicants, particularly in the context of housing shortages and strained public services.
“The government has committed to a double referendum in early March, but the proposed questions on family and carers lack clarity and meaning. The immigration issue is more pressing and relevant, and it’s time for the government to stop lecturing the public and allow every voter to express their views,” Deputy O’Donoghue opined.
“Ireland is bearing the weight of global challenges, yet our people haven’t been consulted, despite the severe impact on our already-stretched social services. With too few homes and a strained healthcare system, the government persists in maintaining an open-door asylum-seeker policy.”
Deputy O’Donoghue claims it is “reckless and irresponsible” to allow an “unlimited influx” of asylum seekers into Ireland during a housing shortage crisis. This, he maintains, demonstrates a grave disregard for the welfare of both Irish citizens and those “forced to endure cold winter nights in tents”.
“Any individual expressing genuine concerns, as I have done on the floor of the Dáil and elsewhere, is often labelled and intimidated by government and leftist politicians. It’s a case of ‘put up and shut up’,” the Rural Ireland TD claimed.
“I acknowledge that migration has benefited the country, filling skills gaps, and we recognise our moral duty to provide a haven for those genuinely seeking asylum. However, I believe a cap is necessary because we cannot accommodate the world’s entire plight.”
Deputy O’Donoghue said that continuing with current immigration policy “without public consultation, such as a referendum, challenges democracy and dismisses the genuine concerns of ordinary people”.
