Michael Healy-Rae warns of increased immigration after Brexit

The independent TD and chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs Michael Healy-Rae has warned of increased immigration here in the wake of Brexit.

The decision to leave the EU will mean "immigrants bound for the UK" will instead come to Ireland and wages here will fall, he said.

In a strongly worded statement the Kerry TD, and the county's poll topper, accused the United Kingdom of "shunning" the values of free movement and co-operation in favour of their own independent policies. He described the move as "an affront" to our society.

Predicting a drop for Irish exporters, Mr Healy-Rae also raised the possibility of "visa requirements" for Irish citizens working in England.

“Furthermore, immigrants that had been bound for the UK will now come to Ireland, with research suggesting an average wage fall of 3.9 per cent with workers in high skilled positions experiencing a 5 per cent wage decrease,” he said.

“Once again, I am very disappointed in the actions of the United Kingdom. They have not only abandoned their closest neighbours, but also the entire European Community,” he added.

The increased immigration would mean yet more pressure on housing as well as schools and other public facilities , the TD predicted when asked to elaborate on his statement.

“I am worried about it. I can see no positive aspects. I am worried about every aspect,” he said.

Immigrants were “of course welcome” but this country was already short of housing and other facilites were also under pressure, he added.