Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I spoke earlier on the Ukrainian action briefing I had the pleasure of hosting today. I am very grateful to the members of Ukrainian Action in Ireland who gave us an overview of the findings of their second national survey. It is very welcome to see just how well the majority of Ukrainian people here are doing and how integrated they are. Nearly a quarter of those who responded to the survey are now in employment and many more are actively seeking work. However, the housing issue remains a huge challenge for members of the Ukrainian community and those who come here seeking refuge from other countries.

I raised the issue earlier of the need for a more co-ordinated Government approach and greater co-ordination, in particular, in the search for and repurposing of office accommodation. I welcome that. Offices in my constituency are sitting idle, as are other vacant buildings, including Jurys Hotel, Baggot Street hospital and the Seamark office block. These are premises that could be constructively used to provide housing.

Who is leading out on the promised provision of modular homes for refugees? We were originally told that 700 units would be ready by Easter. We have not seen any evidence of that.

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