Joe O'Brien

Round-the-clock demonstration to continue on the Magowna Road in Co Clare but not directly outside the Magowna House Hotel

‘Honest, open discussion’ played role in decision to remove blockade at Magowna House in Inch, says Joe O’Brien

Ministers and Garda Commissioner agree that finding accommodation an ‘absolute priority’ while Government asks Clare residents to drop barricade at asylum seeker site

Taoiseach says ‘a lot a racism isn’t malicious’ as first national action plan to combat issue for 15 years published

Plan provides ‘framework for tackling racism at a systemic and institutional level’, according to policy leaders

First national plan in over a decade will also tackle discrimination in rental sector, and promote inclusion of minorities

Minister says solution to recurring issue not as simple as appointing someone with ‘a laser gun and a laptop’

Joe O’Brien refuses to ‘sugarcoat’ situation and says ‘inadequate’ number of alternative beds currently on offer

Junior minister Joe O’Brien says anti-refugee protesters have ‘crossed the line’ with their comments

Ministers will also consider €50 million fund for communities helping refugees

Ministerial briefing papers outline that present model of accommodation provision is ‘unsustainable’

Increase in number of asylum seekers reignites old debates about Ireland’s ‘pull factor’ for migrants

Joe O’Brien says migrant reception system needs structural overhaul as he tends integration portfolio

Minister of State says similar numbers of refugees from war could arrive this year as in 2022