Helen McEntee says motion of no-confidence is a 'distraction'

Ms McEntee will face a motion of no-confidence this afternoon, following heightened tensions after her handling of the Dublin riots last month.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has described Tuesday's motion of no-confidence vote as a "distraction" from the work that needs to be done to make Ireland a "welcoming city for everyone".

Ms McEntee will face a motion of no-confidence this afternoon, following heightened tensions after the handling of the Dublin riots last month.

Speaking of last month's unprecedented events, she credited the Gardaí for responding in "a really exceptional way", but that "there will always be lessons that need to be learned".

Sinn Féin put the spotlight on Ms McEntee by announcing the motion of no-confidence last week, with party leader Mary Lou McDonald saying there has been a lack of leadership from the Justice Minister and the Garda Commissioner.

“I've been busy for the last three years working on not just safety in Dublin but many other issues. Today, I will bring to Cabinet a request to support and negotiations to open up with the UAE. 

"I think one of the greatest successes of An Garda Siochana in recent years has been the development of international law enforcement coalitions. And so we will begin talks with the UAE on an extradition treaty and mutual legal assistance," she added.

Ms McEntee says this will ensure "anybody who thinks that they can evade the law in other jurisdictions" will not be able to do so in future.

"But I have been working closely with people right across the city centre here in Dublin to make sure that they are safe, that they feel safe, and that our city is a welcoming city for everyone," she added.

Responding to news from the Department of Integration on Monday, who confirmed that all available accommodation has been taken and those arriving in Ireland face the prospect of sleeping on the streets, Ms McEntee said they have endeavoured to respond in the most "effective way possible" for those fleeing war.

"And that won’t change. And I look forward to working with colleagues and speaking to colleagues. We’ll get an update from Minister O'Gorman today. And what potential steps we need to take next.”