Dublin Lord Mayor Daithí de Róiste speaks to Gript about a new housing development in Dublin 1 beside the Ilac Centre. He also discussed people “acting the maggot” at the Dublin-New York Portal project, saying.
Integration Minister Roderic O’Gorman says his Department is projecting around 22,000 asylum seekers arriving in Ireland this year – a dramatic increase on the 13,000 that arrived last year.
During Covid, the Irish government closed schools for longer than the OECD average. Ever since, the trend of students missing school days has been seen at a much higher rate nationwide. Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman says he doesn’t think these are linked.
The Irish government currently gives funding to political parties that run “people of diversity” as candidates, while FF’s 2024 local election manifesto calls for mandatory “gender targets” in local government boards. Gript’s Ben Scallan asks Micheál Martin about this.
Taoiseach Simon Harris says it’s wrong to think of “international obligations” as a set of received rules, saying that instead “We’re part of the international community – we’re part of the countries that make the rules.” Question by Ben Scallan.
In 2022 Darragh O’Brien accused Carol Nolan of undermining “social cohesion” because she warned that his government’s ‘no cap’ asylum policy would lead to crisis. Asked if Nolan now deserved an apology, Roderic O’Gorman said: “I certainly don’t think she’s owed an apology, no.”
FLASHBACK: A Fianna Fáil Senator previously said there’s “no question” but that 16-year-olds would vote for the government due to their climate policies, while a Sinn Féin TD said 16s should vote as they’re “more engaged” with issues like climate change and Black Lives Matter.
Asked if the government would consider whether some “international obligations” were actually outdated and bad for Ireland, Fine Gael Minister Heather Humphreys said: “Ireland is a very proud & active member of the EU. We make decisions collectively.” Question by Ben Scallan.
Locals in Crooksling say their community cannot cope with large number of male asylum seekers housed on the grounds of a former nursing home.
Senior government figures, such as Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Fine Gael Senator Regina Doherty, have said that Ireland should discuss lowering the voting age to 16. Ben Scallan asks Doherty if this makes sense, given that 16-year-olds aren’t even allowed to drink.
Thousands marched through Dublin City centre yesterday to protest against the government’s immigration policies.
Security at Crooksling IPAS centre leave asylum seekers standing in the rain after refusing to open gate.