The case of a Congolese man who died following an incident at a Dublin store must be thoroughly investigated, the Taoiseach has said, reports Breaking News.
Micheál Martin expressed his sympathies to the man’s family and said “a lot of people are clearly very concerned” in the aftermath of events, reports Breaking News.
A vigil is due to be held on Henry Street on Tuesday afternoon following the man’s death.
Gardaí were called after security staff detained a man on Henry Street in connection with alleged shoplifting at a retail store on the same street after 5pm on Friday, reports Breaking News.
The detained man later became unresponsive at the scene and was pronounced dead in hospital.
He has been named as Yves Sakila, a Congolese man in his 30s.
Speaking on Tuesday morning, the Taoiseach offered his “deepest sympathies” to the man’s family and the wider Congolese community, reports Breaking News.
He said: “My deepest sympathies go out to his family, and to the wider Congolese community”, reports Breaking News.
“The situation will have to be thoroughly investigated, and needs to be thoroughly investigated”, he added, reports Breaking News.
“I don’t want to prejudice the outcome of that investigation but I think a lot of people are clearly very concerned about what has transpired here”, he said, reports Breaking News.
Social Democrats justice spokesman Gary Gannon described video circulating on social media of the incident as “deeply disturbing and distressing”, reports Breaking News.
He said: “My thoughts are with Mr Sakila’s family and friends, who are grieving at the moment”, reports Breaking News.
“This incident has also spread fear and upset throughout our migrant community”, he added, reports Breaking News.
He called for an “immediate, comprehensive and transparent investigation” into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death, reports Breaking News.
Mr Gannon also said the migrant community in Ireland is facing “rising hate and discrimination”, and urged stronger government action to address it, reports Breaking News.
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