This had the ‘feel of a racist attack’
Taoiseach vows a full Garda inquiry on camp ‘assault’
TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has called for a “full investigation by the Garda” after a camp housing migrants was allegedly attacked by a group of men.
It has been suggested a gang with dogs, sticks and a baseball bat attacked the spot in a wooded area of Ashtown, West Dublin, on Saturday afternoon.
It was reported that males from Poland, Croatia, Hungary, Portugal, India and Scotland had been living at the location for several months.
Speaking on Newstalk, Mr Varadkar said it “had the feel” of a racist attack.
Adding a full investigation into the alleged incident was required, the Taoiseach said: “[It was] very disturbing.
“Obviously, I’ve heard the reports in the media.
“I don’t have a report from the Garda yet, but I am going to seek one.
“I’m always reluctant to comment on something without knowing the full facts, but it has the feel and look of essentially a racist attack.
“These are people who are foreigners. People who were sleeping rough.
“I think it requires a full investigation by the Garda and it is something I am going to pursue with them.”
The attack comes amid increasing pressure on accommodation for Ukrainian refugees and asylum seekers.
Following the closure of the Transit Hub at Citywest last week, a number of people have been left without a place to sleep.
The Department of Integration confirmed another eight international protection seekers, who could not be accommodated, arrived in Ireland at the weekend.
It brings the total number to 89 since last Tuesday.
The spokesman added: “The department has sourced a limited number of additional beds for international protection applicants.
“All those who had not been offered accommodation from January 24 and 27 and provided contact details were contacted.”
Elsewhere, Mr Varadkar said the Government would have to be “careful” about the prospect of introducing “time-limited entitlements” for Ukrainian refugees and international protection applicants.
He added while they do not “want people to stay in hotels, B&BS or direct provision when they could potentially move on and get employment and rent”, the State cannot “push people into homelessness”.
The proposal is expected to be discussed at the Cabinet sub-committee meeting on Ukraine this evening.
Meanwhile, Housing Minister Darragh O’brien said his department has provided 5,000-bed spaces in refurbished properties to the Department of Integration and there is a “good pipeline of others coming on stream”.
Mr O’brien also confirmed some properties will be ready in the next few weeks .