State must take 'compassionate but common sense' approach to asylum seekers – Simon Harris

Fine Gael leader says asylum seekers who have jobs but are housed in State-serviced accommodation should pay something 'means-tested and fair' towards their keep

Outgoing taoiseach Simon Harris meeting runners and community members at Runday Club Cork on Sunday morning. Picture: Fergal Phillips/PA  

The government must take a “compassionate” but “common sense” approach to asylum seekers — with those who have jobs, but are housed in State-serviced accommodation, paying something reasonable towards their keep, according to Taoiseach Simon Harris.

He maintained these payments would be “means-tested and fair".