Gardai Investigate Alleged Assault of 10-Year-Old Girl at Dublin Citywest Hotel Housing Asylum Seekers

Gardai are investigating the alleged sexual assault of a 10-year-old Irish girl by a man in his 20s or 30s, reportedly an asylum seeker, near the Citywest Hotel in Dublin, which currently houses international protection applicants. The girl, who has been in the care of Tusla since February due to behavioral issues, absconded from a planned outing before reporting the serious incident to staff. Neither the girl nor the man were residents of the hotel, and authorities are working to determine how she came to be at the location. The suspect, whose application for international protection was denied and who has a pending deportation order, was arrested at the scene and is being questioned. Gardaí have cordoned off the area and appealed for witnesses to come forward, while Tusla focuses on supporting the girl and her family. The Citywest site was recently purchased by the government to serve as a permanent international protection accommodation center.