# Refugees
Last month
May 2023
# factcheck
Debunked: Video arguing migrants will damage Ireland relies on false claims and statistics
‘Our children’s future is in peril’, the video says, citing news organisations with strong racist links
# INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION
Ireland may 'fall short' on human rights obligations over lack of accommodation for refugees
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that the Government was “working tirelessly” to resolve the situation.
# Asylum Seekers
O'Gorman: 'Disturbing' that anti-immigration protesters are 'wrapping themselves in the tricolour'
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has described some recent protests outside asylum seeker accommodation as wrong.
Voices
Opinion: The US turned a blind eye as a culture of violence grew - we should not do the same
TASC director Dr Shana Cohen says Irish society shouldn’t become complicit in a culture of violence by remaining silent.
# Magowna House
'Horror' after Clare protesters board bus to conduct 'headcount of asylum seekers'
Protests have taken place at Magowna House hotel in Inch, Co Clare, after over 30 assylum seekers were moved into holiday homes there this week.
# Inch
Taoiseach says 'no need' for protests at refugee housing, after blockade by Clare locals
The dispute centres around Magowna House in Inch, where around 34 asylum seekers arrived yesterday evening.
# Sandwith Street
Taoiseach condemns 'violence unreservedly' after tents set on fire at homeless refugee camp
A large garda presence on the street this evening was met with anger by some protestors.
# Sandwith Street
Govt condemns 'intimidation' after clashes at tents of homeless refugees in Dublin
Some international protection applicants have been sleeping in tents in a small cul-de-sac next to a vacant apartment building.
This year
2023
# Ukraine
Department officials were hoping for a 'Hail Mary' last year due refugee accommodation issues
In situation reports from last autumn, officials describe desperate efforts to relieve acute ‘immediate pressuresi at the Citywest transit centre in Dublin.
THE MORNING LEAD
Not one modular home ready for Ukrainian refugees as government way off target of 700
The programme aims to house people fleeing the war in Ukraine.
Only seven sites for modular homes to accommodate families fleeing the war in Ukraine have been found so far.
These sites have a combined capacity for 312 rapid-build homes - but it's some way off the government's own target of 700 homes.
One Social Democrats TD said the low delivery 'smacks of the government making a high-level decision and then not putting in the work to implement' the programme.
# Citywest
Refugees denied re-entry to Citywest accommodation centre after routine fire evacuation
The Department said that it had ‘become aware that some people were staying at Citywest without specific authority’.
THE MORNING LEAD
Tourist season set to take 1,300 beds from system housing refugees
Pod-style modular homes which will be delivered in a shorter time frame, but may not last as long, are being considered.
# Refugees
'I cried with my daughter': Ukrainians given four days to leave Dublin hotel and find new school
Two sisters with five, eight, and sixteen year old children are being moved across Dublin after living in a hotel for the last year.
# Refugees
€20m signed off on for refugee accommodation plans, with commercial properties being considered
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said it is“impossible to say” whether the plan is enough.
# Refugees
Cabinet set to approve millions of euro to fund refugee accommodation
It’s understood another facility similar to that of Citywest is being finalised for use.
# Dublin
Anti-migrant protest halts traffic at Dublin Airport
A small group of people blocked the road access to the airport.
# Misinformation
Social media companies aren't doing enough to remove misinformation about migrants, Harris says
There have been numerous allegations about migrants and refugees circulating on social media in recent weeks.
# One Year On
Ukraine War: How countries across Europe are responding to the refugee crisis, one year on
The invasion of Ukraine sparked the largest refugee crisis in Europe since the Second World War.
# debunked
Debunked: No, a Dublin community centre has not been closed because it is housing 150 Somalians
The centre has been the subject of local protests.
# Refugees
'Any buildings we can get our hands on': Ministers to discuss refugee accommodation crisis
The Cabinet Committee on Ukraine will also discuss a new communications plan for communities.
# Protest
Tens of thousands march through Dublin in show of solidarity with refugees
The large demonstration follows a wave of anti-immigration protests.
# Refugees
Leo says don't be afraid to talk about migration - but politicians struggle to find the words
Some politicians say the issue of immigration is now the number one issue on their doorsteps.
# Ireland For All
'There is so much fear': Activists speak ahead of today's Ireland For All march
“As a black, proud, Irish woman, I am scared.”
# tommy robinson
Sinn Féin TD says there's 'no place on the streets' for Tommy Robinson in Ireland
Robinson confirmed that he was in Ireland in a video on social media.
# Leo Varadkar
Taoiseach wants time to process asylum seekers cut down to less than 12 weeks
Leo Varadkar said that the Govt needed to take a “fair and firm and hard” approach to migration.
# Refugees
Irish immigration lawyers say Government needs to show 'actual leadership and compassion'
“It’s not possible to say ‘I want to apply for a visa so I can seek asylum.’”
# Asylum Seekers
Refugees from 'safe' countries must have their cases heard fairly, says immigration lawyer
Junior Minister Sean Fleming also said that people coming from countries deemed safe may have genuine reason to seek asylum.
# urgent appeal
No buildings available so far after Minister's most recent urgent refugee accommodation appeal
Minister Roderic O’Gorman wrote to his ministerial colleagues recently in an urgent appeal for more properties.
# Migration
No plans to cut off Ukrainian refugee supports, Varadkar says
The Taoiseach told reporters earlier today that the Government needed to take a “fair, firm and hard” approach to migration.
Mary Lou McDonald: Direct anger at Government, not refugees
Multiple protests have been held in recent weeks in areas where refugees or asylum seekers have been accommodated.
THE MORNING LEAD
Far right protesters aren't just in it for the cause - there's also money to be made
One agitator asks his followers for support to cover travel and other expenses related to the protests.
Anti-immigration activists monetise their YouTube accounts and ask for donations, reports Eimer McAuley.
Experts say the tactics are imported from abroad but the levels of profit are small at present.
# Refugees
Minister asks sports bodies to help provide refugee accommodation during 'time of extreme need'
Sports Minister Catherine Martin has written to over 70 sporting bodies and organisations to seek assistance.
# accommodation crisis
McGrath: 'Plea for large buildings to house refugees reflects the strain the system is under'
Integration Minister Roderic O’Gorman has made an urgent plea to his colleagues for accommodation assistance.
# demostrations
Varadkar on protests against refugees: 'We should know better. It's not the Irish way'
The Taoiseach said refugees genuinely fleeing war and oppression are welcome here.
# Podcast
The Explainer: How does Ireland's immigration system work?
Listen in to hear Nick Henderson of the Irish Refugee Council explain.
# Emergency Accommodation
Govt facing 'pinch-point' on asylum seeker accommodation
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said that modular housing would come on stream in the coming weeks.
# accommodation crisis
Ministers sign off on new €10m International Protection Fund to support community needs
The minister emphasised the need for urgent access to large-scale temporary facilities.
# Ashtown
'Only a matter of time before someone is killed': Hundreds attend anti-racism event in Ashtown
Ruth Coppinger helped organise an anti-racist demonstration in Ashtown in Dublin yesterday evening.
# Asylum Seekers
Residents in Lismore protest against use of town's refurbished hotel for direct provision
Over 200 people reportedly gathered yesterday for a demonstration in the west Waterford town, arguing that the building had been earmarked for tourism.
THE MORNING LEAD
UN refugee agency says it is 'completely unpalatable' that asylum seekers are homeless in Ireland
The head of Ireland’s UNHCR office says the State can learn to accommodate current levels of asylum seekers.
