Integration Minister Roderic O’Gorman has said an increase in asylum seekers means the Government must “take accommodation where we can find it”. 

2024 has begun with protests emerging across the country against the use of properties in local areas to house asylum seekers. 

Most recently, protestors in Roscrea, Co Tipperary, have criticised plans to house 160 families seeking international protection in the Racket Hall hotel. 

Mr O’Gorman told The Anton Savage Show housing female asylum seekers and families is a top priority for the Government.

“We have seen an increase in the number of female and family applicants over the last number of weeks - we’re under real pressure here,” he said. 

“That’s why accommodation in Roscrea will be used for families. 

“We've had to take accommodation where we can find it because of the significant need and increase in demand both in terms of Ukrainians and international protection applicants.” 

Mr O'Gorman said he sympathises with concerns that the only hotel in Roscrea will now solely be used as accommodation for asylum seekers. 

“I completely understand [when] a hotel in a town has its use changed, it as an impact,” he said. 

“That’s why it’s important we are able to better plan where we locate accommodation. 

“The approach we have taken is a reactive approach.” 

'We need a more planned approach'

Mr O’Gorman said he is bringing legislation to Government “in the next number of weeks” to begin the process of building State-owned centres for international protection applicants. 

“We need to move to a more planned approach where ewe identify a number of locations for accommodation,” he said. 

“Where we have better control over the conditions in them and it’s a State-owned asset.” 

Mr O'Gorman said recent protests in local areas did not affect Government decision-making, including the decision to house families seeking asylum in Ballinrobe rather than single men. 

“[In Ballinrobe and Carlow], the change in policy was solely to do with the need to accommodate families,” he said.  

“Our departments have dealt with protests all over the country and we have continued to provide accommodation. 

“Up to November of last year we would see a need for 200 families per month... in the first four weeks of this year, we’ve needed 750 spaces for families.” 

O'Gorman tackling misinformation

A recent survey in The Daily Mail found that roughly three in four Irish people don’t think the Government has handled migration well. 

While Mr O’Gorman agreed the Government needs to reform its policy, he also argued people need to be better informed about the current international protection process. 

“Too often we hear these kinds of incendiary language of plantations and unvetted males,” he said. 

“It’s important people have the facts of what happens when someone seeks international protection. 

“We've always been clear that international protection is there for people who are fleeing persecution, war. 

“Where someone enters the IP process, and they are unable to prove that they won't’ be able to get granted refugee status.” 

According to latest figures from the International Protection Accommodation Service, 334 asylum seekers entered Ireland between January 1st and January 7th. 

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