Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae has said he believes Irish people want a referendum on the controversial EU migration pact.
The Rural Independent Group is bringing a motion to the Dáil today calling on the Government to not accept the pact until there is an “open, fair, transparent national debate”.
The motion also calls on the Government to consider a referendum asking for people’s opinion on the pact.
Deputy Healy-Rae said there is a “lack of joined-up thinking” in Government when it comes to migration.
“The thing is, it’s all about policy,” he told Newstalk Breakfast. “It's how did we get to this stage?
“The first thing you have to ask is why so many people are coming to Ireland – the truth is there is a perception that Ireland’s policy is a lot more lenient than places like the UK.”
Ireland is currently in proportion with other EU countries in terms of the number of asylum seekers – although new figures suggest many asylum seekers are travelling from the UK via Northern Ireland.
Debate on migration pact
Mr Healy-Rae said Ireland has taken “more than its fair share” of asylum seekers and a national debate on the EU migration pact is essential.
“All we’re looking for is debate,” he said. “I think everyone in Ireland is looking for a debate.
“The people of Ireland are entitled to a referendum – I think the people want a referendum.
“People would like to have their say in what policy we have in the future here in regards to migration – I think that’s only fair.”
'Hysteria'
People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Bríd Smith said she is opposed to the EU migration pact – but for “entirely different reasons” to what the Rural Independent Group is arguing.
“In a three-page motion, [the Rural Independents] never once mentioned why it is that human beings move across the planet in the way that they do,” she said.
“There's no mention of wars or famine or climate change or drought or heavy unemployment – they don’t see the human beings behind the statistics.
“All they see is hysteria around the idea that we don't have enough housing, enough health services and childcare.
“All of which is true, but none of which is to be blamed on migrants or asylum seekers.”
Referendum 'perfectly reasonable'
Deputy Healy-Rae said there is “no hysteria” in the motion and it is “perfectly reasonable” to allow the Irish people have their say in future migration policy.
“We are standing up every day for people,” he said. “We’re fighting for people and whether they're people from abroad, or people from Ireland, we have a conscience.”
Cabinet is set to bring a vote on the migration pact to the Dáil this week and it is expected it will pass.
The new pact includes new policies on border procedures, faster processing for asylum seekers, and more emphasis on the EU’s partnership with countries where asylum seekers typically come from such as Egypt and Morocco.
