Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Department of Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth is responsible for providing accommodation and related supports to people in the protection process, and is endeavouring to accommodate those applicants not yet provided with accommodation as soon as possible. The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of that Department records those persons it has not yet been able to accommodate and provides a range of supports to take account of these circumstances.

Along with other members of Government I am of course concerned at the incidents referred to and am assured by the Garda Commissioner that these are receiving the appropriate policing attention.

It is important to say that so many communities across Ireland have demonstrated great solidarity to those who come here seeking protection.

There have been a number of protests recently, and there is a small minority whose intentions are to create division and are engaging in intimidation rather than protest at these events.

I am assured by the Garda authorities that, as with any protest, the policing approach is predicated on keeping people safe, preventing any anti-social and criminal behaviour and traffic management, where appropriate. We have seen recently that An Garda Síochána will deploy an increased presence where they deem it necessary.

An Garda Síochána continue to provide an effective policing response to known and impromptu protests to ensure public safety, and I know that Garda management keep these matters under continual review.