The Taoiseach was annoyed with the Fianna Fáil TD, Mr Noel O'Flynn, who called asylum-seekers spongers and freeloaders, the Minister for Justice said yesterday.
On RTÉ radio's This Week, Mr O'Donoghue+ was asked if Fianna Fáil should censure Mr O'Flynn, the deputy for Cork North Central.
"I understand the Taoiseach wishes to speak to him in relation to this matter and I understand that the Taoiseach is annoyed about it and he will be discussing it with him," the Minister said.
He said over 5,000 asylum-seekers had been settled in recent years who had been welcomed by the Irish community.
The number in Cork at the present time in direct provision was about 0.21 per cent of the population, only about 450. It might well be the case that there were local difficulties in Cork North Central.
"I do not accept that asylum-seekers are spongers.
"I do not accept that asylum-seekers are free-loaders, but I do accept that people expect me to uphold immigration law and implement immigration law," the Minister said.
Asked if there was any merit in the suggestion that all general election candidates should sign an anti-racism pledge, he said there was.
"There is one thing which I do not think this election should descend into.
"That is a political fight as to who is or who is not doing most about the issue of immigration," he said.