'Flotels' being considered to house asylum seekers

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Tenders are to be sought for 'flotels' later in the summer.

According to the Irish Independent, the Department of Equality confirmed its intention publish a request for tender, following 'a detailed' examination of their use.

Yesterday, the Integration Minister told reporters his officials have been considering the floating hotels, as one of several ways to accommodate asylum seekers.

It's not yet known where the water-based accommodation will be berthed.

Speaking in the Dail yesterday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said:

"We would have seen in most years 3,000 to 4,000 people come to Ireland each year looking for protection, in the past year it's been closer to 100,000, most fleeing the war in Ukraine, but a very large number of people seeking international protection from other parts of Europe and outside of Europe, as well, and we're struggling to deal with it,”