by Bernie English bernie@limerickpost.ie
BISHOP Brendan Leahy has said that a major interagency and organisation response is required if Ireland is to have a meaningful impact in aiding the biggest refugee crisis since the second world war.
And he said he would be willing for the diocese of Limerick to play its part in a government-led initiative to pool resources and find the best and quickest way forward for a collective response to the crisis.
He added that he is also “far from convinced” that the accommodation centers where alsylum-seekers are held are the best that can be done for people who come here.
In a statement issued this week, Bishop Leahy said that the State, NGOs, the Church and many other organisations need to work together to find a solution to the ongoing emergency. But a wider strategic review also needs to take place in relation to Ireland’s handling of asylum seekers generally, with facilities and conditions for refugees falling way below acceptable standards.
“Last month alone, according to reports, a record 107,500 migrants crossed the European borders. The word ‘migrant’ could as easily be replaced ‘refugee’ as over 60 per cent have come from Syria, Eritrea and Afghanistan, nations in the grip of war and religious persecution. In all reality we are probably looking at over 70 per cent of people crossing into Europe eligible for asylum.
“Regardless, these people are seeking refuge for one reason or another; they are people in tremendous need and would not have set out on the hazardous journey unless there was an element of desperation about their situation.
The Bishop said that he finds himself asking “what is my response or our response as a Diocese? I can’t but think of the heroic women and men of past generations in religious orders who set up projects to feed, teach and care for the poorest of the poor in our society. They responded to Jesus’ cry for help in their times.
“The time is on us now again to have such courage as we all have a role to play, locally and nationally in response to what is truly a tragic and shocking crisis.”
