Media to the rescue of migrant workers

THE plight of the Polish and Latvian migrant workers in Donegal followed up by Joe Duffy on his Liveline programme last week inspired the kind of response that proves there is an abundance of kindness and goodwill in Irish people.

This goes to show that journalists could achieve much more for these people than the political system.

The media were the only people who could help, which is a sad indictment of our system in which there is no provision even for emergency food other than the price of a single bus ticket to Dublin.

They didn’t want handouts and social welfare... they just wanted the chance to live and work here.

Their passports were held for a week and it appeared they would never get paid, but thanks to media pressure their just dues were grudgingly given to them.

Their treatment horrified ordinary, decent people.

The calls of support for the boys, with offers of jobs and donations of money, have been so overwhelming that three days later I was still not able to call people back to thank them for their support.

For many it was the horrible thought that their sons or daughters might find themselves in similar circumstances in a strange land.

One lady, recovering from cancer, offered her home and food until they found work.

Seventeen of the 18 boys have secured employment and I’m sure the remaining boy will also be employed soon.

Eircom very kindly sent them phonecards to call their families at home.

The Donegal Enterprise Board was also very helpful, but the memory of men and women walking in the door to push money into my hands for them will remain with me forever.

People put money in envelopes without even a name or return address. On behalf of the boys I thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

Karen McGlinchey

Port Hostel

Port Road

Letterkenny

Co Donegal