Far-right rhetoric online blamed for second arson attack at asylum hotel in Roosky (Ireland)

Far-right rhetoric online blamed for second arson attack at asylum hotel in Roosky

Leah Doherty from Roscommon Against Racism blamed far-right rhetoric online in part for the second arson attack on the Shannon Key West hotel in Roosky. The hotel has been earmarked to accept 80 asylum seekers although locals in the village were never consulted about the deal. She also blamed the government.

"So I mean, I do blame the government on this and I do blame far-right groups that we see emerging online and on our streets for this and I do believe their rhetoric is fueling this sort of racism and very public figures speaking online who are fueling this racism. I do blame the government. Direct Provision must end"

Up until 2017, approximately 10% of all asylum claims were granted in Ireland but the ESRI revealed that 80% of deportation orders against failed asylum seekers were never implemented.

Doherty called for an end to the Direct Provision system in which asylum seekers are housed in hotels and similar buildings until their asylum claim has been granted. The average length of time an asylum seeker spends in Direct Provision until they receive a response to their application is nine months. Often when asylum seekers fail their claim, they appeal which causes lengthy stays.

Nick Henderson, the CEO of the Irish Refugee Council wants a portion of social housing stock dedicated to asylum seekers.

https://www.invidio.us/watch?v=XGCt3Xs5wkE

https://www.invidio.us/channel/UCgzyycFR6PEv-B90rAiFsQg