Minister’s asylum seeker comments deemed ‘offensive’

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan has been accused of being “offensive” and “negatively stereotyping” asylum seekers in heated exchanges in the Seanad.

Fianna Fáil senator Lorraine Clifford Lee said she was “taken aback” by a speech given by Mr Flanagan on the matter of direct provision.

“I had some notes prepared prior to the debate but I am taken aback by the minister’s contribution today so I have decided instead to dissect the minister’s opening statement and to refer directly to that speech,” she said. “It was bordering on the offensive, to be honest. At the end of the minister’s statement he referred to ‘constructive solutions’ and he reminded senators to not engage in negative stereotyping of asylum seekers. I believe that the minister’s speech actually engaged in that negative stereotyping”.