'Not stifled debate on migration'

Martin simply 'not standing for aggression'

- CILLIAN SHERLOCK

THE Government has not stifled debate on migration, the Taoiseach has said.

Micheal Martin said the Government had sought to facilitate an informed debate and said it was "not good enough" that Irish citizens have been treated with "aggression" due to their ethnicity.

He refused to be drawn on whether migration numbers in Ireland were “too high”, as stated by Tanaiste Simon Harris previously.

However, Mr Martin said population growth has been the most significant factor in pressures on infrastructure and services over the last 20-30 years.