The theory that the Government is trying to ‘replace’ Irish people is “hard to refute” when so many people are “sucked down a rabbit hole”, according to Roderic O’Gorman. 

A study by the Electoral Commission found that 22% of Irish voters believe the Government wants to bring in more immigrants to create “obedient voters” and replace Irish-born people. 

A further 30% of people believed that a secret group is in charge of all world politics. 

On Newstalk Breakfast today, Green Party leader Minister Roderic O’Gorman said these figures are “hugely concerning”. 

“This idea of a replacement has become part of an online dialogue – it originated in the United States and travelled over here,” he said. 

“It stems from the fact there are large chunks of the population who are sucked in and down rabbit holes. 

“They don’t get the opportunity to hear other sides of the debate.” 

Protestors wear face coverings in Coolock today. Image: Photo: © RollingNews.ie

At many protests in recent months, Minister O’Gorman said, conspiracy theories are “trotted out as fact”. 

“It's hard to refute that when someone is so convinced that anyone with an alternative view is corrupted.” 

The Minister for Integration said his department is continuing to engage with communities facing an influx of asylum seekers in State accommodation. 

He said he has a “statutory duty” to continue to accommodate international protection applicants – but he also has a duty to locals in the area the asylum seekers are moving to. 

“The most useful thing our department and Government can do is to meet the specific concerns where there are issues raised about facilities,” he said. 

O'Gorman expands Parent's Leave

Mr O’Gorman’s department also announced today the expansion of social benefit Parent’s Leave from from seven weeks to nine weeks. 

He said his changes in social protection policy have increased the number of parents taking time off – particularly fathers. 

“In 2020, there were 16,700 applications for paid Parent’s Leave,” he said. 

“In 2023, it was 78,000. 

“Giving paid Parent's Leave to both parents allows families a degree of flexibility. 

He said the Government want to put further emphasis on supporting people returning to work “in whatever method works for their family”.