Common-sense approach to migration? Yes, ministers

We cannot forget that this country would immediately grind to a halt without migrants, writes Elaine Loughlin

The Government, through years of inaction in addressing our sub-standard international protection system, may now be scrambling to find accommodation for those forced into tents along the Grand Canal.

The Simon Harris "common sense" approach to migration will only work if all members of his Government fully sign up to solving the issue.

Common sense also means strongly tackling the 'Ireland is full' slogans and online campaigns that only spread hate and fear.

The Government, through years of inaction in addressing our sub-standard international protection system, may now be scrambling to find accommodation for those forced into tents along the Grand Canal, but we cannot forget that this country would immediately grind to a halt without migrants.

As the debate rages on, there has been a focus on all of the perceived negatives of migration, with less emphasis on the positive impact people who have come here from other countries have on each of us every single day.

From the binman, to the barista, tech workers, surgeons, childcare workers and those making sure the lights remain on in our hospitality sector, this country needs migrants to sustain the economy.

One nurse and midwife in every two working in our hospitals and healthcare facilities was trained abroad. There were 15,060 registered from India alone last year and a further 6,348 on the register from the Philippines.

The Government has a responsibility to counter false narratives that are being spun by those on the far right. That means admitting that the coalition has not been focused enough on putting solutions in place around asylum accommodation, which has only given oxygen to anti-migrant sentiment.

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Ministers have not been urgent enough in tightening loopholes and ensuring people who should not be in the international protection system are deported.

“When I became Taoiseach, it became very apparent to me very quickly that the approach from many agencies was far too siloed,” Mr Harris admitted during an interview with Pat Kenny on Monday. It's a refreshing start, that now must be followed up with action.

Faster processing of people who seek asylum, a review of payments they receive and even proposals to ask some in State-provided accommodation to financially contribute will all be discussed by ministers when they meet on Tuesday morning.

A streamlining of work permits and a ramping up of workplace inspections also form part of the Taoiseach's new common sense strategy.

Joined-up thinking

All of this will only work if there is joined-up thinking — it makes common sense that the housing minister, for example, would be involved in delivering longer-term accommodation for those seeking asylum.

The ministers for Education, Health, Justice, Enterprise and Social Protection must also treat this like an emergency that must be solved at speed.

The Taoiseach was clear that in the current context the Government must also be honest with people coming to this country about what "we can and can't do".

“We can absolutely provide shelter, but not necessarily housing, for people who come here, we can absolutely use State land and provide people with access to sanitation, and help people who are fleeing persecution,” he said.

Being open and honest with both the public and migrants, makes complete common sense.