Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to start by expressing my support and solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Their sovereignty and territorial integrity has been so illegally and callously attacked. As a country which has historically suffered many threats to our own sovereignty, our hearts in Ireland are breaking for the people in Ukraine and, indeed, for all those living through war while praying for peace.

We have sent a very clear message to Russia - both as a country and as a member of the European Union - that Putin's war will not be tolerated. With the rouble crumbling, we can see that is having the desired effect.

I understand where the national outcry for expulsions and independent actions against the Russian regime is coming from and I agree. It is very clear that we have been blatantly lied to and fed misinformation and disinformation in recent weeks, if not months and possibly longer by Russian representatives in Ireland. However, it is growing ever clearer that our strength lies in our union with Europe. Ultimately, any unilateral decisions on Ireland's part would not serve the Ukrainian people or the Irish people. For that reason, we must act collectively, boldly and bravely.

I very much welcome the swift action by the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, to waive visa requirements for those fleeing Ukraine. I have been heartened by the support and welcoming nature of the Irish people towards Ukrainians here in Ireland. However, even the most optimistic outlook on the war could not see it being over in 90 days. I seriously doubt it would be safe for Ukrainians to return home then. I welcome the ongoing talks with the EU to allow Ukrainians to stay and work here for up to three years. It is our moral duty to support these people and their families whose worlds have been so violently turned upside down. I would welcome an update from the Minister on plans to treat Ukrainian citizens the same as EU citizens and to extend to them the right to work and social protection. That must be done soon, given the indefinite nature of this crisis.

I welcome the confirmation from the Minister for Justice today that work has started on activating the temporary protection directive. A number of people have raised the matter of documentation with me. I urge the Minister to take a compassionate approach to the current travel requirements and documentation such as passports. Like many, I have been horrified by reports of white people being prioritised to leave Ukraine, while people of colour are held back at Ukrainian borders. I want to put that on the record of the Dáil.

We all feel very helpless watching what is going on. The first question many people ask is what they can do to help. Lots of people have contacted my office to ask about that. People have offered to welcome Ukrainian people into their own homes. I would be interested to know if we will have a system set up to allow people to register their interest to host Ukrainians coming to Ireland. Over the weekend there were countless people and organisations arranging collections of supplies and support for Ukraine, including transition year students in Griffeen Community College. I understand the advice is that continuing to send these supplies may clog up transport channels. For those looking to help, the easiest way to do this is through financial donations. Some 60,000 Irish people have already donated more than €1.3 million to the Irish Red Cross Ukraine crisis appeal. I urge people to please do so if they can.

See this speech in context