Fingal Communities Against Racism condemns Minister O’Brien’s comments on migrants

Gary Ibbotson 03 May 2022
Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien TD

Fingal Communities Against Racism (FCAR) has released a statement condemning the comments of Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien, linking an increase in homelessness to “economic migrants”.

FCAR says that Minister O’Brien’s claims that a recent increase in homelessness is partly driven by the arrival of migrants not from Ukraine, is a deliberate attempt to distract from failing Government policy.

“As a TD for the Dublin Fingal constituency, Minister O’Brien should be aware of the immense contributions immigrants have made to our local communities in which they have chosen to live and work,” the group says.

“That he has decided instead to single out our neighbours and friends and scapegoat them for a crisis not of their making is shameful.

“The reality is that the current homelessness crisis is a long-standing one.

“Successive governments have not only failed to ensure an adequate supply of affordable housing, but pursued policies which have exacerbated this crisis.”

Speaking on the matter over the weekend, Minister O’Brien said: “I can’t speculate why this trend is occurring. But it puts a significant strain on our resources and has been doing for some months now. We are obliged to provide supports,”

FCAR said that “while it might suit the government to direct discussion on housing towards immigration and away from its own policies privileging private commercial interests, this has serious consequences.

“In the context of justified public anger over homelessness, record high rents and unattainable home ownership,

“Minister O’Brien’s attempt to scapegoat immigrants is reckless, dangerous and can only play into the hands of the far-right.

Affordable, stable and good quality housing is the right of every person in our communities,” the group says.

“It is time for Minister O’Brien to focus on this, rather than attempting to pit neighbours and colleagues against each other.”

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