McCormack concerned over 'false claims' on IPAS centre in Belmont

Fianna Fáil TD for Offaly Tony McCormack has raised concern following a number of false stories circulating about developments in communities across the county, questioning who benefits from creating unnecessary fear and uncertainty.

His comments follow recent speculation that an IPAS centre was to be established in Belmont after four modular homes were brought onto private land in the area. The homes are simply being stored on the land and have no connection with IPAS.

Deputy McCormack has confirmed categorically that there will be no IPAS centre in Belmont.

“People in Belmont had genuine questions and they deserved answers. I sought clarity on what was happening and I can give a clear and unequivocal assurance that there will be no IPAS centre in Belmont.

“What concerns me is how quickly something that wasn't true became part of the conversation and caused very real concern.”

Deputy McCormack said it was not the first example in recent times.

“A completely false story recently circulated that a large number of men were being moved into Clara.

“We also had claims that the long-awaited new school development at Oaklands Community College in Edenderry was not going ahead. That was also untrue.

“Now we have had the false claim about an IPAS centre in Belmont.

He said each involved information that "simply wasn't true being introduced into an issue people genuinely cared about.

“I think we are entitled to ask: who benefits from that?”

Deputy McCormack said his concern is not with people who hear such stories and understandably seek answers, but with those who create false information in the first place.

“People care deeply about what happens in their communities. They are entitled to ask questions and they are entitled to straight answers.

“We all have different opinions, experiences and beliefs, and people can look at the same set of facts and quite genuinely reach different conclusions. That is healthy and it is a fundamental part of democracy.

“But those conversations have to begin with accurate information.

“We can argue about what should happen. What we cannot do is manufacture something that isn't happening and then use it to influence that argument.

“If your case is strong, the truth should be enough.”

Deputy McCormack said the same standard must apply to Government, State agencies and public representatives.

“Our responsibility is to listen when people raise concerns, establish the facts and give them an honest answer.

“We won't always have that answer immediately. When we don't, we should say so, find out and come back with the facts.”

Deputy McCormack said he would not speculate about who created the recent stories or whether they were connected without evidence.

“I won't make accusations that I can't substantiate. But when we see false stories affecting communities in a relatively short period, it is reasonable to ask questions about why this is happening.

“Our communities are well capable of having strong and honest conversations about difficult issues.

“People don't need anyone manufacturing fear for them. They need accurate information and straight answers, and they are well capable of making up their own minds.

“That is the standard we should expect.”