Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Seán Crowe TD, attended a cross party meeting with civil society groups to discuss the ongoing refugee crisis and Ireland’s response.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“TDs and Senators from all parties and none met in Leinster House today to form an ad hoc group of parliamentarians who will support the Irish public’s initiatives to help with the refugee crisis and prepare for the arrival of these new people to Ireland.

“The meeting was arranged earlier in the week but comes after Sinn Féin announced our 10 point plan for tackling the refugee crisis and the Government today announced that it will accept 4,000 refugees.

“The Irish people have in huge numbers expressed their solidarity with refugees in this latest crisis and their willingness to help. It is important that these expressions and commitments are represented in the Oireachtas and are given Government support.

“Today’s positive meeting is a public commitment from TDs and Senators from across the political divide to respond to and oversee the Government’s response to the crisis.

“The role of civil society groups is crucially to creating successful policies and inclusive plans for the arrival and integration of refugees coming to Ireland, and we need a well-prepared, well-informed, community-led response.”

ENDS