Time for a zero refugee policy? - *Read OP for mod warnings and threadbans - updated 11/5/24*

Was planning a "staycation" (remember those?) before the schools go back and can't find anywhere in the traditional tourist areas that hasn't been given over to directly housing refugees or which doesn't contain a massive influx of them (per some googling and reading of local press etc).

A holiday among dozens/hundreds of bored unemployed people with nothing to do all day doesn't sound great to be honest - and the morality police can save the false outrage (it's wasted on me anyway!). That's the reality in many formerly scenic and tourism-dependent areas of the country.

At this point, considering going abroad instead.

They haven't - that's the worrying thing - and by ther time they do, it'll be too late (if it isn't already)

Worse, we have a noisy minority actually cheerleading this stuff, that either :

(a) Think it'll all be grand 🙄

(b) Think it's all positive and anyone saying otherwise is a big racist

(c) Aren't, or aren't likely to be, affected anyway

(d) Are just grandstanding for "de likes" on their social media platform of choice

Of course in reality - that unfortunate state of existence which tends to get in the way of these notions - huge areas of the country have been changed almost overnight, the problems are already surfacing and will only get worse as the presures and tensions increase, and before long we really WILL have a "far right" element (beyond the handful that people ignore anyway) that will cement our transformation into a truely "modern European country".

Personally, despite the political incompetence, waste and corruption, despite the appalling and worsening services situation, and despite the increasing Americanised polarisation and divisive nature of "debate" that's taken root here, I was quite fond of our generally peaceful, easy-going, welcoming and accepting little country - but I fear it's being lost in the space of months while those who rightly express concerns are either demonised or just ignored by those making the decisions.

Ah you're not baffled.. you're just pretending to be.

If the Government weren't intent on actively inviting anyone and everyone with a sad story to these shores with the promise of accomodation and supports, then there would be no reason for hotels to change their business would there?

Cause and effect - but you know that.

Sweet Jesus

Yeah, I was thinking that's what the likes of Pádraic Ó Conaire would have thought too when he strode those roads - Sweet Jesus, who or what the hell??

And if the greedy people didn't do it, then it wouldn't be an issue.

It's one thing filling closed and empty buildings, but landlords changing their buildings from student residences, tourist accommodation or old people's homes ? That's on the landlords.

Posters say there's big business in refugees, well clearly these landlords agree with ye!

The author?

That wrote about struggles of ordinary people, and of poverty and emigration?

Actually, I see this and I'm inclined to agree.

The government do the same in relation to the rents they pay for social tenants. They do keep the rents high.

So, yeah, they shouldn't pay as high for anyone they pay rent for. But then I wonder would we have many many more people sleeping on the streets?

Although, the whole looking good for the EU is just conspiracy rubbish imo

I am not short on life experience at all, unfortunately I'm getting on!

I am female and an very well aware of issues facing us, how we need to be vigilant and I have had dealings with many many victims of all types of crimes. I have been a victim myself of different crimes. What women put up with on a daily basis, isn't the same as irrational thoughts.

Unlike most posters, I know that every single person, no matter what their background is capable of crime. Everyone.

Thankfully, despite my life experience, I do not have an irrational fear of men just because they are men.

Are you a man? Do you think I should be afraid of you?

Yes, there absolutely is a figure that would be too much. I would completely consider 240 billion to be too much.

as for national debt? That's the way it works, all countries have debt. It's not an issue.

I have never suggested that we spend all our money on refugees, but we are a rich country and we can afford to help others. As for the limit? I honestly don't know, there would have to be many things taken into account.

We are a very rich country but very badly managed. That's on the government.

Don’t forget, it’s not simply €5.5 billion being spent by government on them, you must also account for the additional loss to the exchequer in terms of lost jobs and business in tourism, restaurants, activities etc.

Talking about grandstanding for 'de likes '...?

That would hardly apply to any posting here who does not agree with the prevailing narrative as not the most popular stance to be taking. 😊

That would apply to your post and others however!

Did you ever consider running for politics ? A certain populist party would welcome you I'm sure .

None of the 4 options you gave apply to me except maybe no effect, but not because I don't have refugee centres near me but because we have noticed no difference at all where we live.

Don't speak for anyone else unlike yourself..

But good to make generalisations so that you can get a strongly worded point across !