Areas accommodating the most refugees will get extra aid

Leo Varadkar has asked ministers to work on packages of extra assistance, initially focusing on the 10 districts with the highest proportion of refugees and asylum seekers

Leo Varadkar told ministers extra school places, more gardaí, and additional healthcare provision would be needed by towns and villages whose population rose due to accommodating people seeking refuge. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has asked ministers to work on a package of assistance for towns and villages that have taken in a significant number of asylum seekers.

As protests continue in several locations across the country, Mr Varadkar told ministers that extra school places, more gardaí, and additional healthcare provisions will be needed for towns and villages that have seen a large population increase due to accommodating those seeking refuge.