Today, the Cabinet met regarding the Government's latest performance of deterrence theatre, the new proposals designed to look tough while making life harder for international protection applicants and refugees. The Tánaiste has doubled down, framing these changes as prudent but, in reality, it is posturing. The Labour Party is concerned about this. It is very regrettable because members of the Government have chosen to publicly link vulnerable people to homelessness, which is plainly not supported by evidence and is disputed by those responsible for homelessness services, such as the Dublin Region Homeless Executive. Instead of owning its failures in housing policy, it seems the Government is punching down on migrants, refugees and people leaving direct provision. This is not leadership; it is deflection. These new proposals the Government is making to tighten up family reunification are going to be very harmful and hurtful for people who have been through the system and have been granted refugee status. It is deeply regrettable and I ask the Taoiseach to reconsider these proposals and stop shifting blame for his Government's policies.

Sentiment score: -0.27