Department of Integration disputes Garda claims of 'very short notice' around housing of asylum seekers

Commissioner Drew Harris told the Policing Authority that they were only informed at short notice by local councillors that some 70 international protection applicants were due to be brought to Ross Lake House Hotel in Co Galway. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

The Department of Integration has hit back at criticism from Garda bosses that gardaí are getting “very late” notice about the intended use of buildings to house asylum seekers.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and deputy commissioner Anne Marie McMahon said that gardaí need to be informed early about plans to open centres for asylum seekers so they can conduct a risk assessment and put in place an appropriate security response.