Volume 1 (1999/2000)
Issue 1 (March 1999)
Issue 2 (Nov. 1999)
Issue 3 (Dec. 1999)
Issue 4 (Feb. 2000)
Issue 5 (March 2000)
Issue 6 (April 2000)
Issue 7 (May 2000)

Volume 2 (2000/2001)
Issue 1 (Sept. 2000)
Issue 2 (Oct. 2000)
Issue 3 (Jan. 2001)
Issue 4 (March 2001)
Issue 5 (April 2001)
Issue 6 (May 2001)

Volume 3 (2001)
Issue 1 (Sept. 2001)
Issue 2 (Nov. 2001)

Categories
Sport: 1 2 3
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Commentary: 1 2 3
Review: 1 2 3
Writing: 1 2 3
Event: 1 2 3

Ireland and Immigration

Patrick Nulty
Riversdale CC

Over the last few years Ireland has been faced with the challenges caused by an influx of immigrants. This is a new phenomenon as for almost all of this country's troubled history it has been Irish people who have been emigrating to countries like America and Britain. In general our political establishment has failed to tackle the procedural and social problems caused by immigration.

Ireland is not alone in having to deal with these problems, almost all of the European Union countries must cope with large number of immigrants. Many Irish people have reacted negatively towards both refugees and economic migrants who have come to Ireland in recent years. I believe the reason for this is a 'false consciousness' among many who must cope with the contradiction between the Celtic Tiger economy and its economic benefits promoted by politicians and the media and their reality of unchanged living standards. Indeed, the traditional Irish aspiration to own your own home has become virtually impossible for a large portion of the population. As a result of this, refugees, who by definition are different and therefore easy scapegoats, are made to take the blame for causing and exacerbating existing social problems, such as housing and homelessness.

There are genuine difficulties associated with large-scale immigration. It is important to remember that the causes of immigration are the current global economic and social policies adopted by governments and particularly by the large arms dealing countries like Britain and America. The solutions to all of these related problems at both national and international levels are linked. It requires progressive policies at national level by governments who should be prepared to provide equality of access to public healthcare, lifelong education and affordable housing for all. It is necessary to educate people that it is only through solidarity and co-operation among people of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds that the immoral policies of governments across the globe can be defeated. The goal for all progressive people across the world should be to put an end to all arms sales, which contribute greatly to creating refugees. Many conflicts occur in developing countries that are artificially created by the needs of European Imperialism. The sale of arms to these Countries simply pours petrol on to the flames of existing conflicts causing large numbers of refugees to seek political asylum. Fundamental human rights should be rigorously enforced by a stronger United Nations. In addition world trade should be reformed to ensure proper distribution of world wealth and resources across the globe - out of the hands of greedy corporations and corrupt politicians. The result of these changes would be to remove the main reasons for forced emigration, whether for economic or social reasons, and would remove the sense of discontent and resentment synonymous with the current situation.

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