Adams: Mediterranean deaths akin to Irish ‘coffin ships’
The opposition figure made the allegation in the Dáil, claiming Ireland has an obligation to help illegal immigrants if they come from war-torn regions where western nations have “interfered”.
Speaking during the leaders questions debate, the Louth TD said that, since the start of this year, 1,500 people had drowned in the Mediterranean, a massive multiple of the number of victims for the same period in 2014.
The high rate of migrant deaths was reiterated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) which says deaths in 2015 are 30 times higher than the same period last year and could rise to 30,000.
Mr Adams said what is happening is akin to the tragedies which befell Irish people on “coffin ships” in previous generations.
Despite Taoiseach Enda Kenny meeting with other EU heads of state tomorrow in a bid to draw up a clear strategy to deal with the issue, Mr Adams told Mr Kenny the response to the humanitarian disaster is simply a “drop in the ocean” compared to what is needed.
“We should not lose sight of the fact that their horrors are a direct result of Europe’s colonial record over the years and the much more recent policies of the west towards north Africa and the Middle East,” said Mr Adams.
In response, Mr Kenny said the similarity to Irish deaths on “coffin ships” is not lost on him. Raising his own concerns, he said the people risking their lives to get to the EU are “arriving on ships without captain, steward or compass” and are “doomed before they ever sail”.
Mr Kenny said Ireland “will play its part” in helping to find new homes for 5,000 refugees, a figure mooted by the EU, but stressed what is taking place is “unprecedented” and that time is needed to draw up a clear plan of action.
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