Latest news with #IndependentIreland
The Journal
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Over half of those staying at Athlone asylum centre could begin to leave next week, High Court hears
MORE THAN 70 asylum seekers staying at a controversial asylum seeker centre in Athlone have been offered alternative housing while the government prepares emergency legislation to fast-track refugee accommodation, the High Court has heard. At the court today, senior counsel Aoife Carroll, for the government, told Ms Justice Emily Farrell that of the remaining 125 people at the accommodation centre, 70 people had received offers of alternative accommodation and that the court should know their answers next week. Last month, Ms Carroll told the court that 137 people were in emergency accommodation at the facility but that figures were dropping as alternative accommodation was being sought. The High Court action was taken by Independent Ireland councillor for Moate-Athlone District Paul Hogan, who successfully applied to the court in December for a judicial review, arguing that the expedited development was unlawful. The State has conceded to the court that the statutory instrument used to expedite the construction of the facility was 'invalid' and is working on repairing legislation. A Statutory Instrument is a secondary legislation, made by a Minister, modifying or supplementing existing laws. Councillor Hogan is taking the case against the office of the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Councillor Hogan claimed the Minister failed to adequately 'screen' the project for potential environmental impacts and that the Minister lacked the expertise to carry out such assessments in such an expedited manner. Protests have been held in Athlone over the plan to further develop army-tent accommodation for a possible 1,000 asylum seekers. Advertisement Last month, Ms Justice Farrell said she would defer judgment quashing the use of the Statutory Instrument used to develop the emergency accommodation at Lissywollen in Athlone, Co Westmeath. Ms Justice Farrell had said she wanted to wait for updates and to see draft legislation from the Oireachtas. The government submitted it intended to remedy the legal issue over the bypassing of environmental assessments for the accommodation. Today, Ms Carroll said the department was continuing to work to reduce the number of people at the facility but that there was 'significant pressure' on the system. Regarding the repairing legislation, Ms Carroll said 'we have not made the progress hoped'. Ms Carroll said that 'significant work' had been done on a general scheme and that it was hoped this would go for drafting in preparation for legislation. Ms Carroll again asked for the court not to make final orders in the matter and to maintain the status quo pending the legislation which is hoped to be put to the Dail in November. Ms Justice Farrell adjourned the matter to next week but warned she could not keep deferring final orders when the government had 'ample opportunity' to put legislation before the Dáil. David O'Brien BL, for Councillor Hogan, said the government indicating 'loose dates' had been 'a regrettable motif' in the case. Any November date for the legislation to come before the Dáil, which was indicated to the court in May, had been initially 'unrealistic… now, it is at the point of untenable' and his client was left 'without a modicum of explanation', he said. Councillor Hogan claims the ministerial process employed was 'unlawful, irrational and a breach of fair procedures'. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Extra.ie
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Extra.ie
TD accused of ‘fuelling racism' after claiming Irish people could become a minority
Independent Ireland TD Richard O'Donoghue has been accused of 'fuelling racism' after claiming that Irish people could become a minority in Ireland. Mr O'Donoghue, a Limerick County TD, was speaking about who the party wanted to back for the presidency when he made his remarks. He said Independent Ireland wanted to support a candidate for the election who 'supports our culture in this country, that it's not obliterated'. Mr O'Donoghue said: 'We welcome other cultures here, and we do that 100%, but we also want to make sure Irish culture is recognised and set in stone for the future. 'Once they want to protect our culture in this country and all the other cultures that come in here and enhance that, 100% I'm behind them.' Asked what he meant by 'protect our culture', he said: 'When you come to this country here, you also have to respect our own cultures that we have in our country ourselves. Independent Ireland TD Richard O'Donoghue has been accused of 'fuelling racism' after claiming that Irish people could become a minority in Ireland. Pic: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos 'And respect our religion if you have a religion. And if you have none, that's fine too, but you have to work with those people. But if there are cultures in this country, I want those protected the same way as we recognise other people's cultures when we go to their country.' He went on to claim that as a result of Ireland's rising population: 'Irish people here could end up being a minority in years to come. So that's why I want our culture protected.' Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne said the comments were 'dangerous' and could 'fuel racism'. He said: 'We're seeing the real rise of the far right, the sowing of division in communities, and particularly around the housing issue. Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne said the comments were 'dangerous' and could 'fuel racism'. Pic: Stephen Collins / Collins Photos 'These comments have very real impacts in communities, and particularly on new communities and people of colour. We're seeing a rise in racist graffiti. We're seeing a rise in attacks, and it's deeply worrying the social division that this is spreading. And the reality is it's just not true.' People Before Profit Solidarity TD Paul Murphy said Mr O'Donoghue's comment about Irish people becoming a minority was a 'dog whistle'. However, Mr O'Donoghue appeared to double down on his comments when contacted by He denied that his comments could fuel racism. He said: 'If the Social Democrat TD Rory Hearne had listened to the full comments of what I said. I welcome all cultures into this country. What I was looking for was the protection of the Irish culture that is here [already], that if you look at it at the moment, the Irish births in this country are back by 15% but our population is rising. 'That means that there's a lot of nationalities coming into this country. Which I don't have a problem with. What I do have a problem with is that I want to make sure that Ireland has always been seen as a great nation and a great cultural nation, for welcoming people into this country. 'That's not being racist, that's just being factual. 'I welcome people into this country no matter what religion you are, if you're coming in to make Ireland a better place. But what I would like to do is I want to try and protect the Irish culture that we are known for, and our Irish heritage, regardless of what religion you hold. 'That is what I have asked to do. And with the trajectories, the way it's shown at the moment is. 'Going by the facts and figures that are in front of us, Irish childbirths are back 15%, but our population is rising at an alarming rate. 'That is not racist. That is just factual.'
Irish Examiner
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Independent Ireland TD under fire for 'fuelling racism' with comments on 'protecting' Irish culture
An Independent Ireland TD has been lambasted for comments that Irish people could become a 'minority' in the years ahead, with some describing the comments as a 'dog whistle'. Limerick TD Richard O'Donoghue was speaking in reference to the upcoming presidential election, when asked who Independent Ireland might support as a candidate. 'We want someone who will represent our culture in this country, that it's not obliterated,' Mr O'Donoghue said. 'We welcome other cultures in here, we do that 100%. But we also want to make sure the Irish culture is recognised and set in stone for the future.' Pressed on what he meant, Mr O'Donoghue referred to Irish people respecting the cultures of other countries when they travel abroad. My son and his girlfriend went to Dubai, and the culture out there is that you cannot enter one of their mosques or whatever unless you are covered up...I want us protected the same way as we recognise other people's culture when we go to their country. The comments were branded as a 'dog whistle' and 'untrue' by other opposition TDs, with the Social Democrat's Jennifer Whitmore rejecting them outright. 'It's fuelling racism, it's fuelling misinformation. It's fuelling a narrative out there that people are coming into this country and are not contributing, which is wrong,' Ms Whitmore said. Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon described Mr O'Donoghue's comments as 'pathetic', while Rory Hearne said his comments were 'dangerous'. We're seeing the real rise of the far right and sowing of division in communities, particularly around the housing issue. These comments have very real impacts in communities. People Before Profit's Paul Murphy said it was 'dog whistling' by Independent Ireland, saying the comments were inappropriate. When contacted by the Irish Examiner, Mr O'Donoghue doubled down on his comments around Irish people becoming the minority, saying it could happen by 2050. He cited comments from then president of DCU Ferdinand von Prondzynski, who made the claim in 2005. Mr von Prondzynski cited unpublished UK-based research at the time, which was not identified. However, Mr O'Donoghue rejected any assertions by the opposition that he was a racist. "Under no circumstances am I a racist. I'm actually the opposite," Mr O'Donoghue said.
Irish Independent
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
TDs criticise ‘dog whistling' comments by Limerick TD
Independent Ireland TD Richard O'Donoghue said Irish people will soon be a minority in Ireland due to rising population. He was speaking about who the party may back as a presidential candidate, saying he wants somebody who will respect Irish culture but also that of other people coming to Ireland. He said he has 'no problem with an international candidate if they represent Ireland'. 'I want our own protected and I want a person that's coming out of here that embraces all cultures but also makes sure that the Irish culture is protected,' he said. He pointed to the population of Ireland and said: 'The Irish people here could be a minority in the years to come. That's why I want to have our cultures protected. 'I want a community that recognises everyone's culture but they're also protected, whether you're here from a different country, you're entitled to have your culture protected here. But also we're entitled to have ours protected as well to ensure it is not forgotten. 'The Irish people could end up being a minority in the years to come.' He said predictions show 10 million people will be living in Ireland by 2040 and how the population has increased in recent years from three million to five million people. 'Then you're a minority in your own country because you're not going to produce seven million people in this country,' he said. 'So then we become a minority in our country. So that's what I'm [saying], protect all cultures, protect our own and we can all live together happily.' ADVERTISEMENT But the comments by the Limerick TD were slammed by opposition TDs who spoke on the plinth at Leinster House afterwards. 'I think it's dog whistling by Independent Ireland, which is not new, it's their stock and trade. I think most people consider that our culture is enriched by people coming here from other countries, from other backgrounds,' said People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy. Social Democrat TD Jennifer Whitmore said it is a 'ridiculous comment' which 'fuels racism' and 'fuels misinformation'. 'Our culture is strong and a part of our culture is being inclusive and welcoming people, the same way when we expect other nations to look after us when we need to go overseas,' she said. 'To have a public representative saying something like that is very concerning.' Her party colleague TD Rory Hearne said they were 'dangerous' comments. Independent Ireland party leader Cork TD Michael Collins said the party has met with people who are seeking a nomination for the presidential election and the party wants to back a candidate. He said these people hold 'strong positions in the country'. 'Independent Ireland will not be running an Independent Ireland candidate, we wouldn't have the finances,' he said. 'There's no point talking to dreamers. Some people have decided they want to hold a presidency but they can't even hold a council seat.'
Irish Daily Mirror
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
TD criticised for saying Irish people may become 'minority in our own country'
Independent Ireland TD Richard O'Donoghue has suggested that Irish people "could end up in a minority in years to come" as he called for a new president who would "protect" Irish culture. The comments were made on the plinth in Leinster House amid questions from the media regarding the upcoming presidential election. Mr O'Donoghue stated that Independent Ireland wanted to "have a presidential candidate that reflects this country, that will go out of this country and represent us outside this country". He said: "Whether you're urban or rural and all the cultures of Ireland, we want someone that will represent our culture in this country, so that it's not obliterated. "We welcome other cultures in here. We do that, and 100 per cent. "But we also want to make sure the Irish culture is recognised and set in stone." When asked by members of the media what he meant, Mr O'Donoghue said he has "no problem" with an "international candidate" once that person represents the country and "protects all culture, including the Irish culture". He continued: "If it's somebody that's running from the north of Ireland, to me they're Irish. "If it's somebody that's running internationally, once they want to protect our culture in this country and all the other cultures that come in here and enhance that, 100 per cent I'm behind it. "Ireland has a great culture. You go to Australia, you go anywhere, they love the Irish and our culture. "But what I want to make sure is that ours is protected here, regardless of what cultures come in here. "We recognise all other people's cultures, as we do when we go to other countries, we recognise. "I want our own protected." Mr O'Donoghue said that when people travel abroad, they have to respect different rules and norms. He gave the example of Dubai and stated that you could not enter some mosques unless you were covered up. He said that when people move to Ireland, they need to respect Irish culture in the same way, including religion. Mr O'Donoghue said he "loves learning [about] other cultures", including food. He said that communities are created when everyone shares their cultural standpoint and learns about one another. However, he repeated that Irish culture "needs to be protected". He stated that five million people live in Ireland currently, up from "2.9 million, three million." Mr O'Donoghue continued: "That means the Irish people here could end up in a minority in years to come. So that's why I want our culture. "By 2040, they want to increase this country to 10 million people. If we only had 3 million, and 10 million is the prediction for 2040, then you're a minority in our own country. "We're not going to produce 7 million people in this country ourselves, are we?. Then we become a minority in our own country. "Protect all cultures. Protect our own and we can all live together happily and gracefully." Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon branded the comments as "pathetic", while his colleague Jennifer Whitmore branded them "ridiculous" and "untrue". She said: "Irish people are not at risk. "Our culture is strong and part of our culture is being inclusive and welcoming people in the same way that we expected other nations to look after us when we needed to go overseas. "I think to have a public representative saying something like that, I think it is very concerning."
