Minister for Justice condemns arson attacks at properties earmarked for asylum seekers

The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, has moved to strongly condemn recent criminal acts of arson at properties which had been earmarked to house asylum seekers.

In a strongly-worded statement, issued this Saturday she said people need to understand these are very serious crimes which carry heavy prison sentences and those who have carried them out will be brought to justice. 

"I have been in regular contact with the Garda Commissioner and I have reassured him that any resources required will be made available to him.  Meanwhile  An Garda Síochána is doing everything possible to investigate recent acts of arson. I understand they are making good progress in their investigations and I encourage anyone with any information in relation to any of the incidents to contact them."

There have been a number of recent arson attacks at locations across the country in recent weeks - sparking concern among gardai and the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) which is responsible for the provision of accommodation and related services to people in the International Protection process. 

In her statement, Ms McEntee appealed to anyone with information either on past incidents or about possible upcoming threats to contact their local gardaí.

"It is clear that a group of people in society are intent on sowing division and fear through intimidation.  I repeat that there can never be justification for such acts, regardless of circumstances or alleged motivation. An Garda Síochána and IPAS continue to work closely together to ensure effective policing plans are in place wherever there is an identified operational need.

Where accommodation centres are being established, IPAS notifies and engages with local communities through their Community Engagement Team in advance," she said.

Gardaí, she added, are continually monitoring emerging threats, including monitoring social media activity, and stepping up policing responses as necessary.

"Both my Department and I are fully committed to the fight against racism and bigotry and strongly condemn the actions of those who abuse and attack others because of their own prejudices. Ireland is a diverse and tolerant country, and such behaviour is not acceptable."

Earlier this Saturday, gardai investigating an arson attack at the Ross Lake House Hotel in Oughterard, Co. Galway just before Christmas, carried out searches at four properties in the Roscahill area.

An incident room, under the direction of a Senior Investigating Officer, has been established for what has been described as a "large scale investigation".

To date, 229 investigative tasks have been conducted and 145 statements have been taken.