Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to address a couple of issues to Mr. O'Sullivan and Mr. Morris. In terms of this discussion, we have meandered somewhat from within the Ukraine to the neighbourhood, to Ireland and back. On the situation in Ukraine, the humanitarian situation is dire and there is need for safe and protected humanitarian corridors. That works both ways. It allows people to leave areas that are adversely affected but it also, importantly, allows aid in. I ask Mr. O'Sullivan and Mr. Morris to expand a little on the situation within Ukraine, including how the absence of humanitarian corridors is making a bad situation worse. In terms of what we are seeing on our television screens and reading in reports with regard to the city of Mariupol, what is the hospital situation there? What medical teams are on the ground there? It seems to be bordering on total devastation, with an inability on the part of aid workers to enter and work. In terms of the special emphasis that Mr. O'Sullivan has placed on children and unaccompanied minors, we note, for example, that more than 1.5 million children have now fled. It seems that many of these are separated. Is there a special programme designed to meet the needs of minors who have been separated from their parents and families?

Is there a form of urgent attention for those in the neighbourhood?

As regards the assistance coming from neighbouring countries and Ireland, and acknowledging what Mr. O'Dwyer and others have said in respect of the generosity of the Irish people, there is movement of goods and cash. Obviously, the emphasis has been on cash donations because there are potential issues of a logistical nature with the distribution of many goods. The message of our guests to may be that cash donations are the priority. It seems from the report of Mr. O'Sullivan, however, that in the context of human personnel, the situation within Ukraine may be somewhat overwhelmed in the short term. Is there a role for international personnel to assist in that regard? I refer emergency workers such as police officers, fire brigade personnel or Civil Defence members or other volunteers or workers who might be called upon to assist.

The issue of forced deportation was not addressed in the presentation by Mr. O'Sullivan but it has been the subject of reports. We have seen people fleeing to the west and the south but there are reports of forced deportations in eastern Ukraine and people being taken to Russia by bus, possibly against their will. Is there a role for or engagement by humanitarian aid personnel in that regard on the Russian side? Is there evidence of camps or accommodation centres on the Russian side that may require humanitarian aid but are not allowed to access it?

I ask Mr. O'Sullivan and Mr. Morris to address the situation in countries adjoining Ukraine. We have acknowledged the Trojan work of the Polish people and the Government of Poland by way of leadership in the region. Obviously, the situation in Moldova is critical having regard to the poor state of infrastructure there. It may not have the level of expertise that other countries in the region have. Ireland has indicated acceptance of 500 refugees who have departed Ukraine for Moldova. How is that co-ordinated through the agencies?

As regards co-ordination, obviously there is need to ensure there is not an overlapping of work in the context of a crisis. I ask Ms de Barra to outline how that is monitored or done. In Ireland, for example, we have had not only the coming together of various groups under Dóchas but also, more recently, the Irish Emergency Alliance, which has seven members, including Trócaire. Is that a welcome co-ordination of expertise and experience in a way that ensures moneys and aid can be best put to use, notwithstanding the emergency nature of the situation?