Ireland's PM condemns burning of hotel meant to house migrants as possible arson attack

Ireland senator weighs in on bill to'restrict' speech for the'common good.' (Credit: Houses of the Oireachtas, June 13, 2023) Ireland's government condemned the recent burning of a hotel meant to house 70 migrants outside of Galway in the west of the country as a suspected arson attack. "I am deeply concerned about recent reports of suspected criminal damage at a number of properties around the country which have been earmarked for accommodating those seeking international protection here, including in County Galway last night," Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said in a statement Sunday. "There is no justification for violence, arson or vandalism in our Republic. Garda [police] investigations are underway." The statement came in response to a fire that erupted Saturday night at the Ross Lake House Hotel in Rosscahill, County Galway, in the west of Ireland, destroying the building.