Local councillor hits out at appalling treatment of refugees

AN elected member of Mayo County Council has described as 'appalling' the way refugees are being treated in some countries, especially Hungary.

Councillor Gerry Ginty, the Cathaoirleach of Ballina Municipal District, has called on the local authority to write to the Hungarian Embassy in Dublin to condemn the actions of the central European country's government in its treatment of refugees attempting to enter the country from Serbia.

Refugees' attempts at crossing into the EU have been blocked at the Hungarian border with Serbia by a 3.5-metre high razor wire fence.

“I call on the council to write to the Hungarian Embassy in Dublin to say we are absolutely appalled with what they are doing,” said Councillor Ginty.

He made his remarks as Ballina Municipal District backed a suggestion by Councillor Jarlath Munnelly by way of a notice of motion to support efforts of the Mayo sub-group of the Ireland Calais Refugee Solidarity group, which is sending an aid convoy to the refugee camp in Calais, France.

Councillor Munnelly suggested helping with the cost of fuel for the truck or van used to transport goods to the tune of €1,000.