We are being asked to opt into three EU programmes: the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund; the Internal Security Fund; and the justice programme. Combined, these would unlock over €100 million for Ireland between now and 2035. On paper, that sounds positive - funding for asylum supports, Garda ICT upgrades and justice co-operation - but let us talk about reality. In west Cork, we have no CCTV in many towns and basic security infrastructure is missing, yet we are signing up for EU money that will fund biometric systems and cross-border policing. Where is the investment in local safety? Where is the fairness in rural Ireland? While we pour millions of euro into asylum and migration projects, we have a record 15,199 people homeless in Ireland, including 4,658 children, as of November this year. That is a 76% increase in child homelessness since 2020. Families are living in emergency accommodation while the Government quietly signs off on more spending for migration and asylum supports. Meanwhile, the cost of living is crushing ordinary people. A family of four now needs €3,500 a month just to get by and rents have hit €2,500 for a one-bedroom unit in Dublin, yet the European Commissioner for migration comes here and says that Ireland's and Citywest's are the best practices, an example for Europe. To be honest, that was a farcical statement when I saw it the other day. When Irish families are sleeping in cars, when rural communities have no Garda presence and no CCTV, this is not best practice. This is a slap in the face to every struggling family in this country. I will not go into the devastating attack on a young girl recently in Citywest. It is not best practice at all. Maybe the Commissioner should talk to the people who live there. I am not against EU co-operation but I am against hypocrisy. We cannot keep writing blank cheques for migration while communities in west Cork and across Ireland are left without basic services. If we opt in, let us demand accountability. Let us ensure this money is spent where it matters, on security in rural areas as well, on integration that works, and on protection of our own people from poverty and homelessness.

Sentiment score: 0.02