‘Fortunate’ there were no deaths after 14 people found in lorry, minister says

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has said it is “fortuitous” that there were no deaths after 14 people were found in a refrigerated lorry at an Irish port.

Police are investigating after nine men, three women and two girls were discovered in the vehicle at Rosslare Europort at around 3am on Monday.

They were assessed by medical personnel before being transferred for processing by the international protection service.

The seaport handles passengers and freight from the United Kingdom and Europe, including France and Spain.

Ireland’s police service, An Garda Siochana, said investigations are ongoing and the justice minister said they are working with their international partners on the case.

“I was extremely concerned to learn of the discovery of 14 people, including two children, in a refrigerated lorry at Rosslare Port on Monday and I would like to thank the emergency services for their initial response,” Ms McEntee said.

“Thankfully, I understand that all the people are in good health.

“We know from past experience that similar situations have led to tragic fatalities. This was an extremely hazardous undertaking and it is only fortuitous that the same did not happen yesterday.

“An Garda Siochana are investigating the matter with assistance from international partners.

“I would appeal to anybody with any information that might assist with the ongoing investigation to contact An Garda Siochana.”

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that the 14 people may choose to apply for asylum or leave voluntarily.

“Our first response is always a humanitarian one – to check that they are alive and in good health and my understanding is that they are,” he said.

“Our next step now is to facilitate voluntary return – their return home if they’re willing to go home.

“If they choose to apply for asylum, they are legally entitled to do that and we’ll try and process the application as quickly as possible.”