O’Gorman says he wants to see arrests and charges over fires

Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman has said he is “eager” to see arrests and charges following a wave of arson attacks on vacant premises.

A spate of arson attacks have been carried out across Ireland on vacant properties by people who believe the properties have been designated for use by asylum seekers.

Speaking to RTÉ, O’Gorman said it is “nothing short of a miracle” that no one has been injured or killed in the attacks, and said “it is hugely important that we see the full force of the law applied to people who are undertaking these attacks.

He said that the acts are criminal and dangerous, and they make his job of providing accommodation “far more difficult.”

O’Gorman said he met Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to discuss the issue during the week, and welcomed that arrests have taken place following an arson attack on a disused pub in Ringsend on New Year’s Eve.

Two men and a woman were arrested yesterday morning, and have since been released without charge.

He said “I am eager to see arrests and charges take place. I really welcome the fact that there has been arrests in one of these, but I also recognise that it is a difficult crime to investigate.”

I am confident An Garda Síochána are focused on this matter,” he added.

An arson attack on a disused nursing home in Dublin’s South Inner City took place over the Bank Holiday weekend, and was condemned by elected representatives including Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

 An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar remarked, “it is deeply ironic that some of those who try to link migration with crime engage in serious criminal activity themselves.”

 Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has said that the perpetrators of the attacks do not have the support of the Irish people.

 “People who go out and set fire to these buildings do not represent the Irish people and if they believe that, they are only fooling themselves. These attacks must stop, the perpetrators must be apprehended, and no more lives should be put at risk.”