According to migrant charity Nasc, Taoiseach Simon Harris “scapegoated” asylum seekers when he made a statement that connected migration to homelessness, reports Breaking News.
“People understand that the fact that we are seeing many people seek protection in our country, seek asylum in our country, and many people come from abroad hoping to have a new future in Ireland and immigration, it has many, many pluses, but it has had a challenge there,” Mr. Harris said in an interview with The Sunday Times.
A number of opposition lawmakers and NGOs that assist asylum seekers criticised Mr. Harris’ remarks.
“Having our Taoiseach make statements that scapegoat people who seek protection,” said Fiona Hurley, chief executive of Nasc, to BreakingNews.ie.
“In light of the rise of far-right violence, the Taoiseach should be showing political leadership and not deflecting blame for successive government failures to deliver on housing commitments.”
Ms Hurley added: “Many people are already terrified of being targeted by the violent anti-immigrant perpetrators that we’ve seen committing arson attacks in our communities all over the country. Children in Direct Provision and other emergency accommodation centres already face significant stigma. Hearing their political leaders talk about them as if they’re a problem rather than a person can only add to that stigma,” reports Breaking News.
Concerning “what kind of commentary” the Taoiseach’s remarks would inspire in the lead-up to the upcoming general election, she also voiced her concerns.
“It’s a deeply concerning indication of what is being deemed acceptable in public discourse, and we are worried about the kind of commentary this will encourage in the run-up to the general election,” reports Breaking News.
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