Kildare must welcome more refugees from Syria - TD

It may well be only 100 days today since her election to Dáil Eireann, but South Kildare’s Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin can't wait to get started in her new role as Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Equality, Integration and Immigration.

The Rathangan native said her track record in education and the Special Olympics will help her promote equality and social inclusion for all sectors of society especially minority groups.

The Dail deputy said: “The refugee crisis currently facing Europe is the biggest since World War II. Wave after wave of desperate men, women and children are fleeing war and deprivation in search of a better life. This is something our own ancestors sought after the Great Famine.

"Ireland must not only welcome more refugees but offer our world-renowned peace-building skills to tackle the problem at source and find a political solution to the Syrian crisis and other war-torn countries.

“Racism is the obvious face of discrimination but inequality is masked in many guises – through financial constraints, cultural differences, sexual orientation – or even citing an address in a disadvantaged area. These must be tackled,” said Deputy O’Loughlin who is also FF Assistant Party Whip.

This week, O’Loughlin  expands her communications base by opening two new offices, one at Leinster Street, Athy and the second at Market Square, Kilcullen.