Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree that Tipperary is a most noble county, and a beautiful one, but on the specific issue Deputy McGrath references, the Government has taken a position that in the future it does not want hotels to be used for the purposes of housing asylum seekers. Hotels in towns in particular are a vital piece of the tourism infrastructure. We are endeavouring to create State-owned facilities and accommodation to deal with those coming to the country seeking asylum. It is acknowledged that the use of hotels in the core parts of towns can be detrimental to their economic and tourism development. That is something I believe in, notwithstanding all of the challenges that are coming our way in respect of this issue. Other broader policy issues will be required as well.

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