Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In one fell swoop last week, Drogheda lost 60% of its hotel beds. The D Hotel will now be used exclusively to accommodate families who are IP applicants. Government policy on accommodation serves neither vulnerable children nor families of the local economy well. The Minister will know that extremists organised a protest in Drogheda on Saturday. Some 300 people attended; 40,000 people from Droghedians did not. I have told the Minister, and he knows this, that this is only about losing tourism beds and there is the evidence. Drogheda is famed for its social solidarity and for its tolerance and that will continue. However, Government policy risks turning fair-minded people hostile. I made two constructive proposals on this issue last week. I said the D Hotel should be put to dual-use, that is, tourism and contracted use. There are no child protection issues-----

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