Since the demise of the Celtic Tiger in 2008, Ireland has officially fallen into a severe recession. Refugees living in Ireland are among the hardest hit groups, and they are struggling for survival.
The recent report from An Bord Snip Nua has proposed cuts in Government spending amounting to €5bn, mostly in the areas of social welfare, health and education. Already suffering from long-term unemployment, refugees will have to brace themselves for even tougher times upon the implementation of these impending cuts.
At the same time, those who had enjoyed a higher standard of living while in employment would find it very difficult to cope with the meagre social welfare payments, while cuts in child benefit will have serious negative impacts on women refugees who wish to avail of training opportunities.
With unemployment figures expected to rise further, there is also a danger that refugees may be used as scapegoats, leading to a surge in hostility directed at them.
However, and rather than succumbing to this gloomy prospect, refugees must be innovative and try to avail of existing Government schemes intended for those who wish to set up their own businesses. They have to break the vicious cycle of imitating their peers, and instead come up with new business ideas.
Tarig Yousif
Dublin 15
