Taoiseach Simon Harris announced on Monday that plans are underway to expedite processing times for international protection applicants from Nigeria. The statement was made during the Today with Claire Byrne programme on RTÉ radio.
Further advancements include drafting proposals concerning the intended locations for new accommodation centres, as well as greater regulation around hate speech. Mr Harris also hinted at the possibility of overhauling the TV licence-collection system to potentially reduce the fee for households.
Mr Harris stressed the need for government to respond swiftly to both potential abuses of migration systems and concerns regarding rule implementation. By delivering quicker processing times, this helps address these potential concerns. He clarified that this applies to people arriving in the country from Nigeria. Minister Helen McEntee has worked to identify nations where faster processing times could be implemented, with Nigeria being the next on the list, Mr Harris explained.
With regards to new accommodation centre locations, plans are nearing completion and details will soon be available. Harris emphasised the significance of maintaining social cohesion and developing orderly migration plans rather than implementing emergency crisis response strategies.
As for the TV licence fee, Mr Harris expressed his intention to resolve the issue prior to the Dáil’s summer recess. Resolving this requires several steps, such as accepting the two independent reports commissioned into RTÉ by Catherine Martin.
The multiple means of funding public service broadcasting aren’t as contrasting as they are often perceived to be, suggested the leader of Fine Gael. Two distinct methods are available: a revised TV licence system or an enhanced treasury contribution. The benefits of both approaches are being considered openly. One possibility to consider is whether a streamlined TV licence procedure might result in a stationary or potentially lower TV licence fee.
The leader was also questioned about his resolution to focus on crime prevention and control initiatives in the future. He acknowledged that the sense of insecurity is indeed prevalent among some citizens throughout the nation. He further indicated his resolve to ensure a significant police presence at various times throughout the day.
He firmly supported Ms McEntee indicating her impressive performance in her role. Mr Harris expressed his stance on issues that haven’t received adequate attention for many years, stating that there’s nothing fundamentally misguided with addressing them. Notably, he commended the efforts made by the Minister and the Department of Justice regarding violence rooted in sex and gender, and expressed his unwavering support for their no-tolerance policy.
Despite these comments, he confirmed that the principal focus of Fine Gael remains crime prevention and control. He emphasised that the most urgent necessity in terms of justice is to boost police numbers, and to retain and committedly recruit officers. He stressed the importance of providing police forces with necessary equipment, such as body cameras, and enforcing laws that support the police and dissuade criminal behaviour.
Mr Harris also expressed his interest in exploring if new legislation is required to prevent protests occurring outside individual’s residences. His comments were in direct response to an incident from the previous week where masked men posted signs outside the home of Roderic O’Gorman, the Minister for Children.
“It should be stated plainly, the situation isn’t novel. It’s been smouldering away. Incidents occurred at my residence, at the Opposition leader’s dwelling, and Paul Murphy’s household. The matter deeply concerns me. The question I seek an answer to this week is rather simple: Is the issue one of enforcement or legislation? Essentially, are our current laws sufficiently stringent and simply require implementation? Or is there a necessity for new legislation? This is a question I genuinely seek to have resolved.
“I harbour worry that either the laws currently present aren’t being vigorously enforced in every instance – it’s possible that the Gardaí feel powerless. As expected, I engage in regular interaction with the Gardaí at all levels, and my wish is for the Gardaí to be assured that in an unfolding incident, the state will unequivocally support their enforcement actions,” Mr Harris explained.
“To say I am slightly vexed would be an understatement. I’m marginally frustrated that this situation has been allowed to continue for an extended duration. It appears to me that the severity of what we are witnessing is escalating.”
He shared his intention to consult the Justice Minister, the Garda Commissioner, and the heads of Coalition parties regarding the matter.
Dealing with the proposed legislation on hate crime, Mr Harris confirmed his intention to advance with the contentious law. However, he noted his desire to first address the doubts sparked in relation to freedom of speech.
“I’ve decided that we will legislate in this area. I’m rather certain of this. The government has pledged to do so. I find it peculiar that only but 13 TDs voted against it and now there are some who are acting as if the Bill is unfamiliar to them.
“I do consider open questions regarding freedom of speech and the necessary clarification of definitions to be valid. The goal here? To ensure proper addressal of hate crime. Hate crime isn’t an imaginary offence. It’s a stark reality. If my support of the Gardaí means endorsing law and order, it entails backing them in their pursuance of all crimes, including hate crimes,” the Taoiseach declared.”
The Taoiseach propagated the importance of paying heed when the gardaí feel the necessity for fresh legislation, stating it would be reckless for a Taoiseach not to take such matters gravely. He emphasized the inevitability of passing a Bill that is expected to allay key apprehensions, while also ensuring to mitigate any inadvertent fallout, particularly any affecting freedom of speech.
He stated the necessity for politicians to espouse humility and be receptive when grievances are voiced, rather than adopting an attitude of ignorance and disengagement. Discussing the forthcoming Budget 2025, the Taoiseach expressed his concern about the high proportion of individuals subjected to the superior rate of taxation despite their modest income level.
His aim is to increase the threshold where individuals start paying at the higher tax rate as well as alleviate the USC burden on low and middle earners. However, he ruminated about the wearisomeness of conversations always revolving around taxation as a means of assisting citizens. He argued for a reform in taxes, along with considering other domains like childcare costs, which significantly impact household incomes. He stated that the public won’t be deceived by any political party simplifying household income debates by focussing solely on tax.
The Taoiseach was also queried about Eamon Ryan’s remarks, where the Green Party leader had warned his Coalition allies about making enticing pledges that might prove difficult to fulfil. In response, the Taoiseach portrayed Ryan as a capable politician, capable of ‘spending a bob or two’, and a good human being. He excused Ryan’s statement as a normal occurrence at party conferences.