If tax dodgers paid up no one would be left without

The tax dodging and avoidance practices of the rich and famous outlined in the ‘Panama Papers’ shows once again that it is bankers and cheats who sparked the financial crisis rather than refugees or people forced out of their homes onto our streets.

The revelations are particularly disturbing, coming at the very moment the EU began shipping men, women and children from detention centres in Greece back to an uncertain future in Turkey under a deal which placed unfounded economic arguments over humanity.

It is regrettable that some of the responses and commentary around the refugee crisis suggests that those fleeing war and terror should wait in line until some Irish government finds a long overdue solution to the homeless crisis.

Playing one vulnerable group off another is wrong and un-necessary when both need humanitarian solutions.

With suggestions that there are a lot more tax dodging revelations to come, it seems clear that if those who can most afford it pay their fair share, then no-one would be left waiting — either in a refugee camp or on a housing list.

Brian Killoran

Chief Executive

Immigrant Council of Ireland

2 Andrew St

Dublin 2