EU country reveals refugee crisis' financial toll

The Irish news outlet Buzz reported that housing asylum seekers and refugees in hotels is costing Ireland over €1 billion. According to a government memo, the ratio of tourist accommodation given to refugees and asylum seekers exceeds 70-80%, with the national average – excluding the capital Dublin – standing at 34%. The situation has also led to the displacement of some 10,000 jobs in the tourism industry, with the Irish tourist industry taking a €1.1 billion hit as a result. Prime Minister Leo Varadkar admitted the country had no choice but to put people fleeing hostilities into tourist accommodation, and the government is working on a plan to support businesses that were “adversely affected.” The EU common asylum system requires member states to provide asylum seekers with housing, food and clothing, as well as access to health care, education or employment under certain conditions, in accordance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.