Migration and Citizenship: Statements
Dail Éireann — 2026-09-30
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Edward Timmins (FG), Wicklow

It is so important that in all discussions here, we choose our language carefully. We must not say anything that might inflame situations or give encouragement to any extreme positions. We must stick at all times to the facts because we remember that we are talking about fellow human beings. The most important thing is that we have open and frank discussions. This will lessen the possibility of false information and extreme positions taking hold.
Three years ago, I stated publicly that we should have an open discussion on immigration. To date, we have failed to have open discussions. We have nothing to hide. What are we afraid of? Do we not trust the Irish people with open discussions and all the facts? In Ireland, over 23% of the population were born outside the country. The US and the UK, which are countries we consider melting pots, have never had this level of foreign-born residents. Their highest figures were 17% to 18%. Why are we not discussing this? What implications does it have for social cohesion, education and other issues in society? The rapid rise in numbers over the past decade has implications for housing. It means we are playing catch up in every part of the economy and our public services.
A common thread in most of the issues we discussed here in the Dáil and at committee is that as a State, we are poor at long-term planning. We need to be doing detailed planning and budgeting ten, 20 and 30 years ahead. Do we need to review our work permit situation or how we can encourage Irish-trained people, for example, nurses to remain? By not discussing these matters, we are leaving it open to the extremes on both sides to dictate the narrative. Many of the people I meet and those who call into my clinics regularly raise these issues with me. These are ordinary, decent, generous, community people.
I commend the Minister of State on the steps he has taken to deal with international protection. The European migration pact was a significant move that will contribute to regularising migration and lead to quicker decisions. I have always said that we need to align our country with all other EU states as the only way to manage migration. In relation to cost, I expect to see large reductions in the cost of IPAS centres as we go forward. The new citizenship rules regarding residency again align us with other member states. One of the cornerstones of any system is that all citizens of the State are treated equally. In the case of IPAS residents who are working and earning a wage, there must be a contribution to all accommodation costs. Can we also have an open discussion regarding housing? Do people exiting IPAS centres obtain social housing locally quickly, do those centres then take in new IPAS residents and does this lead to some small communities having very large IPAS populations? In my own county of Wicklow, the majority of IPAS centres are located in one municipal district - west Wicklow.
This district is also the most poorly served by public transport and services.
I will repeat what I said at the beginning. I hope this forms part of a move to a more open and frank discussion.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-09-30/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-10-05T01:00:59+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-09-30