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

The everything I disagree with is racist card, can only be played for so long.

Anyone who thinks a large influx of refugees doesn't drastically alter the demographics of a country, need only look at what happened to Lebanon. Before the large influx of Palestinian Refugees (who were legitimate refugees fleeing from the Zionist expansion of illegally occupied land), where so numerous that the country's demographics shifted. It once was a Christian dominant country, and now is a Muslim dominant country.

Faith is a big influence/driver of culture and identity. So the Lebanon that was is now no more.

Not saying that this is happening here, but that it can happen, so is something to be mindful of when allowing in refugees/migrants... and that is coming from someone who is a migrant.

It's been about two years since I heard anything from people in FF about going in with SF. Have I missed more recent stuff?

Willie O'Dea said he's resigning the whip if they go in to coalition again with anyone.

Since we're cycling through the coalition options there's also the one for which we have a precedent. Main party (SF here) plus just enough Independents to form a minority government propped up in a confidence and supply arrangement by FF. (Might be more acceptable to FF)

Of course we've no idea. That arrangement above took months to get in place and could have gone other ways.

What we can be fairly sure of is that there will be around 20 Independents elected (as in recent times) and as always they will lack any ideology. Their sole focus will be on reflecting the needs of constituents. And with 75% of the country feeling we've taken in too many immigrants and similar numbers of rural dwellers angry at the green agenda that's what the majority of these Independents will be voicing. Like their political lives depend on it.

Good to see some measures from the govt in recognition of that portion of asylum seekers that are taking the piss to exploit our system.

Even they are beginning to wake up to the unnecessary strain we’re bringing upon ourselves

As 17% of the population are non Irish I would say they are over represented in comparison and to rise given the influx of refugees !!

Yeah but will they have a coherent, unified national policy on immigration, or will they each be negotiating on an individual basis to block reception centres or whatever in their own constituencies? This is another area where I think your substack guy is taking too much for granted.

That's a very good question about how much the Independent's problems with the local effects of immigration - the pressure on school places, doctors appointments, rental accommodation - would carry over in to criticism of national immigration policy. Is there a divergence there.

I suppose one indicator that Independents would see local questions as requiring solutions at national level is they already do this with green policies.

They want green directives changed and overturned as opposed to just having them ameliorated by buying people off at local level.

Yeah I mean if even the likes of MacEntee are copping on it shows how far things have gone at this stage

Excuse me if recently covered. What is the current financial situation for say a Ukrainian woman here of working age with two children? In terms of any weekly support payments. I assume accommodation is still provided free of charge by the state. What about meals & living expenses, are they paid for out of allowance or free? I think free postage of packages back to Ukraine has ceased? Any other benefits?

What happens if this hypothetical adult & 2 children rent private accommodation - is that paid or do they have to cover it fully.

And finally if the person above works part or full time hours, how is this handled? I assume their employer will have them on the payroll and deduct PAYE/ PRSI etc? Does the receipt of earnings remove entitlements to payment supports.

I'm can see there are quite a few variables in above but it would be informative to get a good steer after a year and more as to how typically matters are working out from a financial and supports pov for war refugees. Refugees I should add that we are right to assist on the basis that hopefully they can return safely as soon as possible.

Just the basic facts re above.

Interesting questions try Mattie Mc Grath if its not racist to ask . I wonder do they still get any form of free transport .

Thanks and that sounds like it should be the case. Be interesting to hear on the other points I was wondering about from those who know of such things. And there are/ have been quite a number on the thread. This sort of information should be readily clear as it's public money involved one way or another.

The total cumulative number of arrivals (based on PPSN allocations) from Ukraine to Ireland on the 06 June 2023 was 84,613. This is a 3% increase compared to four weeks earlier (07 May 2023) and a 14% increase compared to the last report (12 February 2023 . They are still coming at an average of 500 per week .

Arrivals from Ukraine in Ireland Series 10 - CSO - Central Statistics Office

https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/fp/p-aui/arrivalsfromukraineinirelandseries10/

I suspect its to prevent Ukrainians from moving to treasure Ireland for better benefits .

Visa-free travel for people with refugee status further suspended

extended suspension, European Agreement on the Abolition of Visas for Refugees (Council of Europe)

https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/0b410-visa-free-travel-for-people-with-refugee-status-further-suspended/#:~:text=The%20suspension%2C%20which%20in%20effect,originally%20introduced%20in%20July%202022.

Who exactly is searching all that though? Could be easily lots of people trying to scaremongering.

Exactly. It could be all sorts of reasons.

Well can you advise of the current state of supports that are official?

"What is the current financial situation for say a Ukrainian woman here of working age with two children? In terms of any weekly support payments. I assume accommodation is still provided free of charge by the state. What about meals & living expenses, are they paid for out of allowance or free? I think free postage of packages back to Ukraine has ceased? Any other benefits?

And if the person above works part or full time hours, how is this handled? I assume their employer will have them on the payroll and deduct PAYE/ PRSI etc? Does the receipt of earnings remove entitlements to payment supports."

It's important to have accurate information, so as not to be exaggerating etc

That hardly addresses my example - real figures for monies and lists of benefits in kind would be useful. Hopefully you know them? We heard figures being bandied about last year and special arrangements for Ukr refugees but it'd be good to know how these are working now in reality and what changes/ amendments have been applies.

I can understand if you don't know the detail as it's about as clear as mud for the average citizen.