Colm Brophy criticizes Conor McGregor's immigration comments

Colm Brophy, the Minister of State for Migration in Ireland, responded strongly to Conor McGregor's comments on immigration. He stated that McGregor does not represent the views of most Irish people and accused him of spreading false narratives. Brophy emphasized the importance of political leaders challenging misleading remarks, especially those linked to the far-right agenda. Brophy believes that a better asylum system is vital. A fair and effective immigration process can help reassure communities and counter false claims made by extremist groups. He acknowledged that people have real concerns about immigration but insisted that these should not be exploited for political gains. The minister mentioned plans to acquire more State-owned facilities to house asylum seekers. He noted that this would reduce costs and improve the current accommodation situation. Brophy highlighted the need for a system that quickly processes asylum requests, benefiting both the applicants and the Irish taxpayer. He expressed confidence that the upcoming EU migration pact, starting in June 2026, could streamline the immigration process. Brophy is committed to creating a path for migrants to integrate into society and find work, which he believes is beneficial for everyone. He also stressed the importance of data in managing immigration effectively. Brophy wants to improve records on migrants leaving the system to obtain more accurate information. Lastly, he plans to run a campaign showcasing the contributions of migrants to Irish society, reminding people that many migrants are essential workers across various sectors.