Conspiracy theory that Irish people being replaced with non-white migrants 'hugely concerning'

Vivienne Clarke

Minister for Integration Roderic O'Gorman has expressed concern that more than a fifth of Irish voters believe the “establishment” is replacing white Irish people with non-white migrants.

That is according to a recent survey carried out on behalf of the Electoral Commission on the public’s view of immigration.

Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, Mr O’Gorman said that the statistic came from “an online dialogue” that had originated in the United States and had now travelled here.

“I think that's hugely, hugely concerning. And I think it stems from the fact that there are large chunks of the population now who, I suppose, are sucked into rabbit holes on social media and don't get the opportunity to hear other sides of a particular debate. And I think that is concerning.

"And I think when we see some of the protests that have taken place in terms of refugee accommodation, we see these conspiracy theories trotted out as fact.

“It's very hard to refute that when someone is so convinced that anybody who has an alternative view is themselves kind of somehow corrupted by it.”

When asked about reports that there could be a €20 increase in the old age pension in the forthcoming Budget, Mr O’Gorman said there was a range of considerations when it came to allocating the social protection budget.

“I'm particularly interested in supporting families who are at risk of poverty but may be looking to return to work. So I think something like the working family payment is really important.”