Micheál Martin said a Fianna Fáil councillor who claimed Travellers were not “compatible” with living among settled people will be hauled before party chiefs.
The Taoiseach was speaking after Galway councillor Michael Crowe objected to the placement of travellers in social housing.
There have been calls for Mr Crowe to be thrown out of the party, while the Galway Traveller Movement said his comments “incite hatred”.
Read More: Travellers call for Fianna Fail councillor to be suspended over public comments
The Taoiseach said the councillor will be hauled before party HQ because these comments would “not be tolerated.”
Mr Martin said: “Those comments are unacceptable, they’re not in line at all with Fianna Fáil policy and the party will be meeting with the councillor and will be engaging with the councillor concerned because those remarks are completely unacceptable and we’ll take it from there.
“I don’t want to prejudice any outcome that might transpire.
“We are taking the issue seriously, very seriously and we will engage with the councillor.
“I have seen the reported comments, but obviously due process follows in this case and the party will engage with the councillor.
“There can be no tolerance to such an approach to the traveller community.
“I’ve met with them recently, they’re facing enormous challenges, particularly young people, young travellers in particular, securing employment, in terms of education completion and we need everything possible to support them in the challenges that they face.”
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