Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions
Dail Éireann — 2026-05-14
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Simon Harris (FG), Wicklow

At the outset, while respecting the rules of the House in relation to by-elections, let me say that I absolutely deplore, condemn and abhor any racism directed towards any candidate in this democracy. I want to be very clear in relation to the comments of the former Taoiseach: they were not appropriate and they were wrong. It absolutely is perfectly legitimate in this country - in fact, I would even go so far as to say it is essential - that we debate migration policy. No one has an issue with that. It is important to debate it. We might have different views and perspectives on it, and that is okay. It is important that we debate the laws and systems around migration. No one has an issue with that.
The policy of the Government has been clear. Anyone who comes to Ireland seeking asylum from outside the EU or outside the EEA should be treated humanely and in accordance with international law. They have a right to be here and their application should be processed quickly. We have been trying to do our bit to ensure faster processing times. Of course, as per the point the Deputy is making, most people who come to Ireland do not come through the international protection system. They come through a whole variety of other ways, legitimately and legally, to play a positive role in our country. I take up the opportunity the Deputy has afforded, as I hope will everyone in the House, to recognise the very positive contribution those people make to Irish society and the Irish economy. Having people come here to work or study contributes to our country and makes our republic better and more complete.
Of course, as I said, we can have sensible and rational discussions on migration policy. The same is happening in every country in the world. That is different. However, it is never acceptable to single out an entire group of people based on their race, ethnicity or religion. That only serves to demonise or stigmatise a group of people and it is not a helpful contribution; in fact, it is hurtful. I was struck by the comments by the chief imam of the Islamic Centre of Ireland, Shaykh Dr. Umar Al-Qadri, that Mr. Ahern's remarks were offensive to all immigrants. He said it is important to discuss the challenges facing the country openly and honestly, that it is important to do so in a democracy and that we should always be willing to do it but that we should avoid the kind of rhetoric that would seek to scapegoat an entire community.
We benefit hugely from people who come here and make Ireland their home. They are working in our public services, including, as Deputy Bacik mentioned, as nurses, doctors and healthcare assistants. Hospitals would not function without people coming here. We are a better country as a result of people coming here. As I said, it is perfectly legitimate to debate migration policy and the systems we have. However, we should never group people based on religion, nationality or race. The former Taoiseach's comments have caused hurt and harm. I am sure that was not the intention. I certainly hope it was not the intention. I am sure it was not. It is important that everyone in this House, of all parties and none, is united in terms of being very clear on our views in this regard.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-05-14/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:56+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-14