Thornton Hall to open this month to house asylum seekers, Taoiseach says

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

The Government is to consider “further changes to supports” for asylum seekers, the Taoiseach has said.

Simon Harris made the remarks during a speech at the Fine Gael parliamentary party think-in on Wednesday.

Mr Harris also said that tented accommodation at Thornton Hall will open later this month.

Speaking in Tullamore, Co Offaly, the Fine Gael leader said there are “no easy answers” to building a new system to deal with increasing number of asylum seekers into the country.

He said: “I continue to believe our approach must be threefold: Firm rules, fairly and efficiently enforced; a compassionate approach delivered with common sense; consistent, open and honest communications with the public.”

Mr Harris said Irish people know the value migration brings to the economy, the health services and to society.

He said they also want to know the Government “is listening to their concerns”.

The Taoiseach said: “With these things in mind, we will in the coming weeks consider further changes to the supports available to those seeking asylum in this country.”

He said a new “accommodation project management group” would also be established, focused on opening a small number of large sites.

Mr Harris said: “The first test of this will be the opening of tented accommodation at Thornton Hall later this month.

“But crucially, we will enhance resources for the community engagement team and will commence a communications campaign from the end of September.

“We understand the very legitimate concerns people have, and we have to work with communities to address the very basic questions they have.

“We must not allow those who want to work with us to fall for misinformation and disinformation.

“We have a responsibility to address their issues.

“But we will never, ever stand by and allow the men and women of An Garda Síochána to be attacked for doing their job.”