The article critiques recent statements by Irish politicians regarding immigration, particularly focusing on remarks made by Tánaiste Simon Harris. Following a presidential election defeat, Harris claimed that migration numbers in Ireland are excessively high, suggesting that failed asylum seekers awaiting deportation contribute significantly to this problem. The author argues that this assertion is a deliberate act of disinformation, conflating the broader category of inward migration with a very small subsection of people awaiting deportation.
The article breaks down migration data, noting that out of approximately 94,000 annual immigrants, failed asylum seekers make up less than two percent. It emphasizes that most migrants come with legal rights, including EU and UK citizens, while others contribute to essential fields such as healthcare and education.
The author accuses Harris and his party, Fine Gael, of using misleading information to distract from their own political failures and to vilify immigrants. By misrepresenting the situation, they risk fueling far-right sentiment in Ireland. Ultimately, the article calls out the disingenuous tactics employed by politicians in the immigration debate, highlighting the gap between political rhetoric and the factual makeup of migration to Ireland.
