Tanaiste: Building attacks are very fundamental undermining of democratic order

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said arson attacks on buildings across the country earmarked for use by asylum seekers “is a very fundamental undermining of our democratic order”.

The Foreign Affairs minister said he has confidence in the gardai’s ability to investigate such arson attacks.

He also said that despite “significant” pressures, it is “not a one-sided story” of how Ireland has responded to an increase in asylum seekers and refugees.

He said Ireland has welcomed more than 100,000 Ukrainians since Russia’s full-scale invasion of its neighbour in February 2022.

There has been a series of suspected arson attacks at properties earmarked or rumoured to be earmarked for housing asylum seekers or refugees.

No arrests have been made by gardai in relation to the incidents.

Mr Martin said: “I do have confidence in the gardai but I think we all know that in matters of this kind, when you pursue criminality and crime, you have to investigate thoroughly, properly, not with the prospect of having to do it speedily in order to get a result.

“I think that would be the worst possible scenario.

“I think what has to happen here is that detailed investigations have to take place, people do have to be brought to justice, cases have to be stood up, obviously.”

He continued: “This is a very fundamental undermining, I think, of our democratic order, such arson and such destruction of buildings across the country and cannot be in any way countenanced.

“And that’s why the gardai are going all out to endeavour to find out who who did these crimes and to bring them to justice.”

The Fianna Fail leader said there is a disciplinary process under way in relation to two Fianna Fail councillors in Co Galway who had strongly criticised Government policy on migration.

There had been a suspected arson attack on a disused hotel in Rosscahill in Dember, where 70 asylum seekers were due to be housed.

Speaking on RTE’s This Week programme, Mr Martin said “that process is under way”.

“Particularly in the world we live in today with strong litigation and so on, people are entitled to come forward, make their case, and there’s a very set procedure and processes involving a national executive.”

Mr Martin said this is different to a motion passed unanimously by Mayo County Council, including by Fianna Fail councillors, which also criticised Government policy on migration.

“I think the fundamental difference here is the comments made, from my perspective, in Galway were ones to suggest that the government was responsible for the arson or the fact that people felt the need to go and burn a beautiful building.

“And that’s unacceptable. And that there should be full co-operation at all times with An Garda Siochana in respect of the pursuit of any case.

“In terms of councillors exercising – whether you agree or disagree, for whatever reasons – their voting rights, that’s not a matter for discipline.”

Asked about Fianna Fail councillors, he said: “To pick out two councillors and say, ‘That’s the Fianna Fail way’ is wrong.

“There are many councillors around the country who understand the pressures, the concerns of people, but who’ve also been involved in helping refugees settle into the country and helping those who are seeking asylum also.”