The Tánaiste, Micheál Martin, has declared that the Government will not be swayed by a violent minority opposing the housing of international protection applicants (IPAs) in North Dublin. He dismissed the notion that the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock, chosen to accommodate the IPAs, would be unsafe due to persistent and violent opposition, particularly towards black male immigrants.
“The Government is unwavering in upholding the law,” said Mr Martin, adding, “Groups resorting to violence can’t overcome the State’s authority. The law must be enforced.”
He also responded to last week’s assaults on Gardai in Coolock, including five arson attacks at the accommodation site, stating they constituted an assault on the State and its citizens.
With numbers of asylum seekers tripling from 2019 levels, the Republic is experiencing an influx of applicants. Following the Russian invasion, about 83,000 of the 106,000 Ukrainian refugees who entered the country remain.
Despite fierce resistance and occasional violence at a few planned migrant accommodation sites, Mr Martin emphasised that this was not reflective of the general situation in Ireland in recent years. Through adjusting and incorporating new arrivals into the wider community at most locations, he urged people to “maintain a balanced view and remain objective”.
In areas where there had been incidences of violence and unrest, he confirmed that the situation was under Garda control.
Mr Martin expressed his concern over the incidents in Coolock, asserting these actions are deemed unacceptable. He underlined that there is zero tolerance for acts of aggression towards members of An Garda Síochána by any individuals in Coolock or any other part of the nation. He strongly condemned such actions, stating that they are an assault on the State, society, democracy and every citizen.
On a separate matter, Mr Martin communicated his endorsement for the UN’s disclosure of their investigative reports about the murder of the 24-year-old Private Seán Rooney, from Dundalk, Co Louth, in Lebanon. Rooney was on duty for the United Nations peacekeeping team when he was fatally wounded. His convoy was ambushed on December 14th, 2022, in an area under the control of Hizbullah in Southern Lebanon.
On Tuesday, Dublin’s Coroner’s Court was informed that the United Nations has carried out profound and meaningful investigations into the tragedies surrounding Private Rooney’s death. It was noted that these reports were deemed confidential by the international body. Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane mentioned that there were certain restraints on the revelation of these reports from the UN regarding this case.
Mr Martin highlighted that he advocated for Pte Rooney’s family’s access to these UN reports. He confirmed that the Rooney family had already been given restricted access to some of the documents held by the UN. In full support of Mr Martin’s initiatives was Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Seán Clancy. Although he was keen on securing the reports, he remained cautious due to the ongoing inquest process and decided not to provide additional comments to avoid jeopardising the proceedings.