Simon Harris, the leader of Fine Gael, stated that he thinks the government should have the ability to utilise chartered aircraft to expedite deportations when necessary and that applicants for international protection who are making money should be required to contribute to the expenses of services, reports RTE.
According to Mr. Harris, those who are earning money and have the right to work after six months will be subject to the means-tested contribution system.
According to him, it would be crucial for social cohesion since, at the moment, Irish people do not understand that someone might be making money in Ireland without making a contribution.
“I think Irish people want to see a migration system that is both compassionate and grounded in common sense,” he said, reports RTE.
Mr. Harris said that when necessary, the government ought to have the authority to deport individuals back to their home countries using chartered aircraft.
He stated that it “makes sense” for the State to have a certified strategy for deportations “should that need arise” because the number of returns is expected to climb as Ireland goes forward with Europe, reports RTE.
Mr. Harris said that he would not “buy into the narrative” regarding coalition building since he would not take any votes for granted when asked about allegations that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael would prefer to join the Labour Party in the next administration rather than the Green Party.
Mr. Harris is departing Cork on a whistlestop tour, stopping in Limerick, Galway, and Athlone before continuing on to Dublin, reports RTE.
Mary Lou McDonald, the leader of Sinn Féin, asked Mr. Harris to explain some comments he made at a Fine Gael gathering yesterday night.
Last night, Michael O’Leary, the CEO of Ryanair, attended a function to support Peter Burke, the candidate for Fine Gael’s Longford-Westmeath seat.
Mr O’Leary said: “The Dáil is full of teachers. Nothing wrong with teachers, I love teachers but I wouldn’t generally employ a lot of teachers to go out and get things done,” reports RTE.
Launching their plan, Social Democrats candidate in Dublin Central Gary Gannon said the party will not be ruling out going into government with any other party and will ‘see what the numbers throw up’.
The plan itself includes ringfencing initial funding of €200m to begin implementing the recommendations in the Dublin City Taskforce report and a dedicated garda service for policing events in the capital.
There have been no big surprises in the General Election campaign, at least so far, with many parties and independent candidates reporting that expected issues – such as the high cost of living, and housing – are being raised with them on the doorsteps, reports RTE.
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