The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr O'Donoghue, says it is perfectly understandable that people would not feel comfortable about proposals to introduce "flotels" to house asylum-seekers because the proposals were innovative in Irish terms.
He was commenting on the rejection by the Irish Refugee Council of the proposals. The idea was described as "ill-thought-out and a reactive response to the housing crisis". Mr O'Donoghue was formally opening new premises for the Southill Outreach at the Kilmallock Enterprise Centre, which is funded by his Department under the aegis of the Probation and Welfare Services.
Its task is to engage young people, at street level, who are considered to be outside the existing services. It also plans to provide educational, social and recreational activities to help them plan their future.
Of the "flotels", the Minister said it was something "quite regular and acceptable" in other countries. "I do not believe that any argument can be served by pretending that this problem does not exist and I do not want to see people sleeping in St Stephen's Green or in doorways. Let people who object come up with alternatives if they have any, for I want to see these refugees properly housed."