Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is clear that the refugees want to leave Cahersiveen. It is clear that the people of Cahersiveen, the locals of the Iveragh Peninsula, want the centre closed down now. It is now evident that the Skellig Star Hotel is not suitable. The asylum seekers were packed in on top of each other in the first place, with three or so to a room. That is not acceptable. They were told to self-isolate but there is no compulsion on the residents to stay in the hotel and they are out around the town. It is not suitable. The back or side of the premises is not enough for men, women and children for 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

I am asking both the Minister and the Minister of State, on behalf of the refugees and the people of Cahersiveen, to close down the centre now. We have seen, in every other instance, that one has to get change-of-use planning permission. The hotel was built as a hotel in the first place but is now being used much differently. Why was change-of-use planning permission not sought? The Government did not seek that permission.

I want to give the Minister and the Minister of State the chance to answer. Will they close the centre now or not? They have a minute to answer.

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