A meeting took place in Tullamore, Co Offaly, last night to bring the Indian community together.
It is estimated that around 260 Indian families have made the midlands town their home and some are concerned about the recent spate of attacks targeting their community, which have occurred in Dublin and elsewhere.
The meeting was organised as a show of solidarity, assuring those who were present that they all stand united in their condemnation of such attacks.
Fianna Fáil TD Tony McCormack said he felt the Indian community needed reassurances.
"I've been very involved with the local Indian community here for a couple of years and with the attacks that have happened and what has been publicised in the national media, I felt it was very important that we brought our Indian community in together to show our support," said Mr McCormack.
"We've got 260 Indian families who are located right across the town and then all Offaly, we probably have another 50 families so that's 300 families," he explained.
Many of the Indian community are working at the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore.
"At the end of the day, our healthcare service would not be able to survive, it would not be open without having the Indian community here, so there are great addition and are hugely welcome and I want to make sure that they feel that," he said.
All who were present spoke of the welcome they have received in Ireland.
Among them was Grace, who is a nurse at the hospital and has been living in Tullamore for the last three years.
"I'm afraid for my parents and siblings who live in India and rely on social media to try understand what is happening here. They are afraid for me"
"I'm so fortunate to live in such a good place. I'm hearing about all these things happening across the country, but I feel safe here, it's so welcoming," she said.
However, she said she was concerned and that her parents who live in India are also worried.
"Definitely, I'm really concerned about what is happening across the country. What is coming up on social media is very much disturbing us," she said.
She added: "I'm afraid for my parents and my siblings who live in India and who rely on social media to try understand what is happening here. They are afraid for me".
Stalin Kaishore works as a nurse manager at the hospital in Tullamore.
"I feel safe here but the news going back to my parents and relatives in India is that Ireland is not a safe place.
"These are isolated incidents and it's not affecting everyone and there should be positive vibes going to the media to say that we feel safe," Mr Kaishore said.
He also raised questions around community engagement and told those present at the meeting that there is a false narrative out there that needs to be addressed.
"People think we are taking their opportunities in the form of jobs, schooling, colleges.
"They also think the economic crisis is because of us, like housing rates have gone high, rents are gone high, and people think we are illegal immigrants here," he added.
Afterwards many of those present said they felt reassured.
"I'm feeling very grateful today, and I'm grateful to all the local politicians that arranged this meeting today," said Himanshu Gupta.
"We were not aware of what's going to happen next and it's good that we have that communication channel open now," he said.
The community had organised an India Day celebration in Tullamore next month, but it was cancelled following recent attacks.
Last night, in light of the support shown, they said they will reconsider holding the event and plan on asking members of the local Indian community for their views.
