Heather Humphreys’ comments about anti-migrant protests will only “inflame the situation”, a councillor has said.
Yesterday in the Dáil, TDs debated the issue of migrant accommodation and protests, such as the one in Roscrea that saw Gardaí forced to escort women and children into a hotel past angry demonstrators.
“You’d wonder how some people can be at protests in the middle of the day when other people are working,” Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys told the chamber.
“So, we have had to announce more work permits recently because we can’t get the staff in certain sectors.”
Speaking to Lunchtime Live, Independent Navan Councillor Alan Lawes said the Minister should have chosen her words more carefully.
“I think Heather Humphreys’ comments will inflame the situation,” he said.
“There are genuine protestors and the genuine protestors that turn up to protest will be incensed by her comments.
“Whether you’re employed or unemployed has no relevance to this issue whatsoever.
“It’s very Fine Gaelish when you think of Leo talking about the people who get up early in the morning. We [shouldn’t] divide people.”
TD Bríd Smith blames Government for adding 'fuel to the fire' of far right misinformation around immigration, by failing to deal with the housing crisis. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/5ueITHVsBk
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Cllr Lawes said some people are “very, very worried” about pressure on housing and infrastructure as a result of immigration.
He also said many of the things protestors say have crossed the line into racism.
“I’ve seen posts going around social media of these protest[ors] calling all immigrants ‘scumbags’, calling all immigrants ‘welfare spongers’, calling all immigrants ‘a danger to your children and your women’,” he said.
“That’s promoting race hate.
“Some people in different communities around the country get insulted if you call them ‘racist’ but if they’re associating with people putting up posters like that, that’s what they’re going to be implicated in.”
Cllr Lawes said if people are unhappy with the services in their community, there are better ways to bring about change.
“The target for their protests should be the Government, first of all,” he said.
“But secondly, they should completely disassociate themselves from people promoting race hate.”
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Main image: Minister Heather Humphreys. Picture by: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie
