There is an onus on all of us to challenge the narrative that single males seeking international protection pose a threat to communities, Secretary General of the Integration Department, Kevin McCarthy has said
THERE IS AN onus on politicians and Government to challenge the narrative that single males arriving under the International Protection Accommodation Service pose a threat to communities, according to Secretary General of the Integration Department, Kevin McCarthy.
“In fact, the evidence over the 22 years is to the contrary. So it is a narrative we need to challenge. These people do not present a threat to communities. I think there is an onus on all of us to challenge that narrative, but certainly it has fed into a reluctance and we are seeing the impact of that in trying to secure contracts for international protection,” said McCarthy.
A number of politicians raised the issue of the lack of consultation with local representatives about the use of some buildings in their area. “For reasons beyond our control” McCarthy said information can be leaked, however he acknowledged the need a better level of engagement with local representatives and communities.
Loss of 3,000 bed spaces ‘conservative’ Concerns were also raised at today’s committee meeting over the ending of State contracts with 700 providers, with many of the contracts due to expire in March. The committee was told there are now 172 emergency accommodation centres accommodating international protection refugees, with the estimated expenditure for 2023 coming in at €363 million – an increase of 9% on 2022 expenditure.
When asked about some hoteliers running into problems with getting payments from the State, McCarthy said that additional resources have now been put in place to deal with payments to hotels.
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