Limerick TD calls for referendum on immigration

A COUNTY Limerick TD has called for a referendum on Ireland’s immigration policy on March 8 - the same date as two referendums take place on women in the home and the concept of the family.

Deputy Richard O’Donoghue said 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,” said Mr O’Donoghue.

“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,” he added.

The Independent TD said it is “reckless and irresponsible to allow an unlimited influx of asylum seekers into Ireland during a chronic housing shortage”.

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“This demonstrates a grave disregard for the welfare of both our citizens and those genuinely seeking asylum, 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’.”

“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,” said Mr O'Donoghue.

He said Ireland has welcomed over 100,000 Ukrainians fleeing Russia's war, but the “primary concern is the increasing number of asylum seekers from safe countries of origin, expected to rise by 10,000 to 20,000 in 2024”.

“Continuing on this path without public consultation, such as a referendum, challenges democracy and dismisses genuine concerns of ordinary people,” concluded the TD from Banogue.