Taoiseach speaks out on impasse over new Mayo centre for asylum seekers
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has told RTÉ News that discussions are "ongoing" between the owner of a Ballinrobe hotel, that was due to house international protection applicants, and the Department of Integration.
A protest has been taking place over the past number of days outside the former JJ Gannon's hotel in the town to ensure plans to house 50 asylum seekers do not proceed.
Mr Varadkar acknowledged that people locally have concerns and fears and that their fears must be allayed with communication.
Speaking on RTÉ's This Week today, he said: "I need to be very clear. Nobody in a free society, nobody in a democracy has a right to exercise a veto on who moves into their area or community. That doesn't just apply to international protection."
He said comments made by local Fine Gael Councillor Michael Burke about the situation do not reflect government policy.
He said while he understands his concerns, he has outlined the alternative.
"I have said back to him very clearly the situation we are now facing is that the alternative to providing accommodation centres is people on the streets.
"We already have 400 people at the moment who we are not able to provide any accommodation for. So, this isn't an ideal situation," said Mr Varadkar.
RTÉ is reporting that Leo Varadkar said discussions are 'ongoing' between the Department of Integration and the Mayo hotel owner.
He said Fine Gael will allow its councillors leeway when it comes to how they deal with local issues but the party will not tolerate any form of racism or any form or misinformation.
Mr. Varadkar said there is a responsibility to reassure people that Ireland's immigration system is rules based and "we are fair and welcoming" to those who come here legally.
"And that we are also firm and tough on those who do not."
He said there are a lot of myths being spread by the far right and now they are becoming quite mainstream and "repeated even by mainstream politicians and mainstream journalists."
"We have a big job of work to do in government being in charge of this debate and [to] ensure people get the right information."
He said immigration and migration for Ireland has been a good thing.
"We would not be able to run our public services without migration."
He also said a huge number of communities have accepted people from Ukraine and other countries and "we should not forget that".
Meanwhile, the Irish Refugee Council has warned that more than 450 International Protection applicants are "without accommodation in freezing temperatures" with the cold weather set to continue this week.