When they're Irish, living in the US without a valid visa, they're "undocumented". When they're not Irish, and they're here, they're "illegal aliens". When they show the temerity to collect £65 a week in supplementary welfare allowance, they are "milking the system", according to politicians who themselves earn £35,000 a year, before expenses.
Altogether, the Cead Mile Failte traditionally extended to tourists and business investors has not been in evidence in respect of asylum-seekers and refugees this year. Ireland has much to celebrate this Christmas, but our treatment of these groups is not on the list.
"Since I came to Ireland eight months ago, I have been harangued, called many insulting racist names," says Bi, a Nigerian who tells his story in Talking To You, an exhibition on refugees running at the ILAC library in Dublin.
"I was even attacked on the No 10 bus and told to get out of Ireland, I was not wanted. I am not sure how to admire the Irish people any more."
Now, artists are venturing where politicians fear to tread. And, as in previous campaigns for seemingly lost causes such as the Birmingham Six, they are starting on the streets.
This evening in Temple Bar a huge Celtic Tiger - cunningly built over a pick-up truck - will stalk the streets of Dublin as part of a live, outdoor theatrical spectacle celebrating cultural diversity in Ireland. Followed by a choreographed parade of clown characters, the fire-breathing symbol of prosperity will make its way to the Civic Offices for what the organisers of Feile Failte promise will be a "spectacular finale of ethnic music, film, fire sculptures and firework displays".
One of the problems faced in countering anti-refugee racism is that the victims are usually reluctant to speak publicly. Many asylum-seekers fear their enemies will find them to persecute them again. Others are understandably unwilling to offend their new hosts in Ireland, especially the officials of the Department of Justice.
Tonight, asylum-seekers' testimonies will be read by actors Donal O'Kelly and Brenda Fricker, while other accounts will be screened on film. The pyro-technical wizardry of Theatre of Fire promises to make it a spectacular night.
The Feile Failte parade starts from Temple Bar Square, Dublin at 6 p.m. Talking To You, an exhibition by and about refugees, is at the ILAC library until December 20th.
