Minister backs gardaí in investigation in arson attacks at migrant centres

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has stated she has "every confidence" in gardaí and their investigations into recent arson attacks on properties earmarked for asylum seeker and migrant accommodation.

She said that while there have been no arrests yet, she has "every confidence" in the investigations into the attacks, including the New Year's eve fire at the Shipwright pub in Ringsend, Dublin and an attack on the Ross Lake Hotel in Rosscahill, Co Galway in December.

Speaking on Morning Ireland, Ms McEntee said Garda Commissioner Drew Harris "has absolutely assured me that those who are responsible will be held accountable."

When pressed on when arrests could be expected, the minister stated that she "could not be expected to answer that", but that Commissioner Harris "had been very clear that he is confident that there will be arrests and that there will be prosecution."

"There have been no arrests yet, but a very strong line of inquiry is underway."

Ms McEntee stated that the government is doing all it can to house asylum seekers, in the wake of a wave of protests at sites around the country that have been proposed to house international protection (IP) applicants.

A protest was began last Friday, January 5, outside a former hotel in Ballinrobe, Co Mayo, while another protest was held on Tuesday, January 9, at the former Capuchin friary on Dublin Street in Carlow town.

Both sites were initially due to accommodate 50 male IP applicants, but the government subsequently announced that both would be used to house women and families, a move which the Justice ministers denies is a "U-turn" in the face of local opposition.

Ms McEntee said the Government has been clear that their priority is to house women and children, which does mean "that there are male applicants where we cannot provide housing. And I don't want that situation to be the case. I don't think any of us want that".