The first of hundreds of Syrian refugees that Ireland has agreed to accommodate have arrived in Monasterevin, Co.Kildare.
The town is putting up refugees at the Hazel Hotel where they will be offered medical assistance and language training with the plan of moving them into permanent lodgings after two to three months.
Fianna Fáil Councillor for Athy, Martin Miley said some five or six adult refugees have arrived at the hotel in the past week with more men, women and children due to arrive in the coming weeks.
He has warned that it is vital the Government provide healthcare and education to ensure the newly arrived refugees are provided for.
He told Newstalk Lunchtime: “The news was secret at the beginning and it only fizzled out into the community. Obviously there is some scepticism as we are under pressure with health services with local doctors and the schools are at capacity in Monasterevin at the minute
“There were a large number of concerns on the ground. Would the schools be able to cater for the refugees coming? So we are liaising with the authorities to ensure there are services put in place.”
Services
Cllr Miley said it is vital the Government put services in place for the refugees due to land.
“It’s important that the Government just don’t land these people for 10 years - that they come and cater for them. That they put the health services in place, the education requirements and the integration.
“We have to start integrating them, educating them and looking after them properly.
“I think the people of Monasterevin will welcome refuges no problem. It’s important that the Government don’t see the Hazel Hotel as a one stop shop. It’s important the services come with it.”
Cllr Miley added that despite the serious concerns of the community, the image of three-year-old Aylan Kurdi, a Syrian child fleeing his war-torn home country who was pictured washed-up on a Turkish beach, galvanised the support of the locals.
He survived the violence of the #Syria|n war, but died on his way to a new peaceful life in #Europe. pic.twitter.com/rnhM7SLFt4
— Sakir Khader (@sakirkhader) September 2, 2015
“Yesterday has been a game changer. The photograph that has appeared of the little boy in Turkey has been very hard hitting home to everyone. The realisation of what’s’ happening to these people and the desperate conditions that they’re leaving and the reasons why they’re leaving. Over the last day or so there has been a change of mood and concern.”
Justice Minister, Francis Fitzgerald indicated that Ireland will accept in the region of 1,800 refugees - three times the current amount Ireland has already agreed to.
Health Minister, Leo Varadkar has, however, downplayed this suggestion. He says Ireland will play its part, but needs a comprehensive EU deal before it can agree to a fixed amount.
The EU is expected to issue a proposal next week to take 150,000 extra refugees.
