Ireland Must Not Turn Its Back on Welcome and Solidarity
Press Release
July 6th 2026
Following Archbishop Farrell’s homily at St Mary’s Cathedral, Dublin, at the weekend, (see link below) Crosscare, the social care agency of the Archdiocese of Dublin, asks the people of Ireland not to turn their backs on our long traditions and values of Welcome and Solidarity.
Ireland has rightly celebrated its reputation as a welcoming nation for those seeking safety, opportunity, and dignity. Across the country, communities have opened their doors to refugees fleeing war in Ukraine, families escaping persecution, and workers eager to contribute to Irish society. At Crosscare, we observe daily the significant contributions migrants make to our communities, workplaces, schools, and parishes.
However, we are concerned that in recent weeks, a series of legislative and policy changes introduced by the Government risk moving Ireland in a very different direction. Taken together, these measures send a troubling message: that migrants and refugees are less welcome, less deserving of support, and increasingly viewed as a problem rather than as people.
This matters not only for those directly affected, but for the kind of society Ireland chooses to become.
Crosscare’s work is inspired by Christian values which are grounded in social justice, human dignity, solidarity and compassion. We believe every person deserves the opportunity to live safely, to reunite with loved ones, and to participate fully in society. Policies that create exclusion, insecurity and fear undermine these values and weaken social cohesion for everyone.
Among our concerns is the new housing legislation, which limits access to social housing and homeless services for many migrants. At a time when Ireland is already facing a housing and homelessness crisis, restricting access to basic supports risks pushing vulnerable people further into poverty and instability. Integration cannot succeed if people are denied the security of a home.
We are also deeply concerned about the implementation of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact in Ireland. While governments have a responsibility to manage migration systems effectively, the new framework introduces measures that make it harder for refugees to rebuild their lives, including more restrictive approaches to family reunification. Families who have already endured trauma and displacement should not face additional barriers to being together.
Equally troubling is the revised family reunification policy introduced by the Department of Justice on 12 June. The new rules significantly increase the obstacles facing non-EU families, including workers who are already contributing to Irish society in essential roles. Care workers, healthcare staff and others who support our communities may now find it far harder to bring close family members to Ireland. This risks creating a system in which people are welcomed for their labour but denied the right to family life.
Finally, changes to accommodation and support for Ukrainians fleeing war risk leaving many people homeless and without meaningful assistance. This stands in stark contrast to the generosity shown by Irish society in 2022, when people across the country responded with humanity and compassion to those escaping conflict.
Migration should never be reduced to a political talking point. Behind every policy are real people: parents, children, workers, neighbours and friends.
Ireland’s strength has always been rooted in community, empathy and fairness. If we continue down a path that makes life harder for migrants and refugees, we risk damaging not only individual lives but the social fabric that binds us together.
Crosscare believes a just and compassionate Ireland is still possible. But it requires leadership that places human dignity, inclusion and solidarity at the centre of public policy — not fear, exclusion or division.
Read Archbishop Farrell’s Homily here: https://www.dublindiocese.ie/archbishop-homily-welcome-inclusion/
