Far-right groups must not get a foothold say Tipperary councillors

Councillors at a full meeting of Tipperary County Council this week raised concerns about misinformation and refugees.

Clonmel Cllr Michael Murphy raised the issue during the discussion on housing and the Ukrainian response.

He praised the ‘extraordinary efforts’ made by the local authority but said there is a perception that services are used to support refugees ahead of citizens. He asked the Director of Services, Sinead Carr, to make a statement.

Ms Carr said no mainstream housing supports were being used to assist those fleeing Ukraine. Those services under Housing For All include HAP, RAS, social housing and homeless services.

Ms Carr said it is primarily private households offering support and thanked them for doing so.

“I’ve heard some mad statements that all Ukrainians are getting their hair done for free and getting cars to drive. There is a lot of nonsense that is factually incorrect. “

“At the end of the day, there is a war going on, and our contribution is to support these refugees who are fleeing that war,” said Ms Carr.

She said she agrees that this misinformation needs to be tackled because the public may think it true if left unanswered.

“We are not suffering anywhere near the level that those in Ukraine are at the moment, and we all need to take a step up and be prepared to defend it and use truthful information,” said Ms Carr.

RIGHT-WING ELEMENTS

Thurles Cllr Peggy Ryan supported the discussion, saying answering questions has the power to ‘dispel misinformation’.
Clonmel Cllr Pat English said he was concerned about right-wing groups.

“There is a far right-right element on Facebook and social media, and it’s up to elected members to fight for democracy and speak out,” said Cllr English.

However, Nenagh Cllr Seamus Morris said people’s “patience is being tested”.

He said people had been very understanding of the Ukrainian people, but there are other refugees coming into the country as well.
He said it seems like the authorities are losing control of the situation.

“When you have government ministries busing people into areas in the middle of the night, particularly single men, the people’s patience is being tested,” said Cllr Morris.

He said it is not the fault of the refugees but the Government.

Cllr Morris said bringing people into an area puts pressure on services like medicine and called for departments to hold’ open forums’ with the communities impacted.

Cahir Cllr Michéal Anglim said he agrees with both Cllr Murphy and Cllr Morris.

He said, on the one hand, he feels Ukrainian refugees are being used for people to voice personal frustrations.

He said it is clear Ukraine is not currently somewhere for women and children. However, citing ‘climate refugees’ specifically, he said:

“You see a bus load coming in, and they are able-bodied young men, and I don’t know where they are from, but the right-wing out there sees that as an opportunity.”

He said he is concerned about the spread of right-wing groups and the trouble they cause in other parts of the country.

“There is no place for that in our country, not the country I want to be in any way,” said Cllr Anglim.

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INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION

Ms Carr said she would like to clarify that Tipperary County Council has no role in general International Protection programmes.

They are currently assisting Ukrainian refugees and have previously supported those fleeing Syria.

“Sometimes when people come into the county by the Department of Children, it’s assumed the local authority is part of that.”

“We are not, and until such a time we are brought into that space, we have no role in it, said Mr Carr.

She said that she felt the Syrian resettlement programme with Youth Work Ireland worked well. Additionally and where the council are involved, they engage with the community as best they can.

She also acknowledged a strain on health and education services, which the Government is aware of. But she said most decent people are prepared to “squeeze up a little.”

Cllrs John Fitzgerald and Sean Ryan took the opportunity to pay tribute to those individuals, groups and businesses who have been working to assist those affected by the war in Ukraine.