Slí Chaol (the narrow way)

  It is curious how often one hears some people saying ‘And I am not a racist, but…..’ or ‘How dare anyone call me far-right or a racist when I am just pointing out that communities should be listened to’.   What are some people in some communities saying and why? Clearly, communities are concerned about resources, access to housing and public services. But is there something else going on? We hear of communities concerned about single men of a certain age-group especially where they are located near creches and schools. Really? The concern seems to be articulated especially but not exclusively when it concerns men from Africa or the middle east. None of this is racist or even sexist? Really? What can the data tell us about crime and safety when it comes to citizenship or race?   Data on race and crime is either not collected or used in Ireland but if it were we need to be cautious.   Were it the case that – and there is no evidence that it is – crime and migrant s...

  Why the tech sector and immigration need each other (linkedin.com) Many speak of the burden, cost and disruption of immigration.   Immigration impacts on public spending and ‘crowds out’ accommodation, healthcare access and jobs for others, so it is claimed.   It is part of the ‘Ireland is full’ narrative and basically sees immigration – especially ‘too much’ of it – as an economic, social and even cultural problem.     As well as economic fears there is a deep-seated fear associated with some vague sense of deep belonging, identity and national self-worth. It is claimed that ‘they’ are not like us by virtue of cultural norms, colour, behaviour or religion (if applicable).   The race, nationality and faith issues will be addressed in the 10 th blog in this series to be published in mid-May.   Here, I am dealing with the economic issues of claimed costs and unexplored benefits. In doing so I acknowledge that there is a close interaction between ‘n...