Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the ambassador for his presentation and for coming to meet us at such short notice. I wish to ask about two issues in particular. The scale of the humanitarian crisis is obviously very large and the numbers entering Slovakia on a daily basis are phenomenal. We are having discussions about that issue here. We are probably getting that influx of refugees a little later because Slovakia borders Ukraine and is much closer to the war. How is Slovakia managing the accommodation situation? What did Slovakia do to find extra accommodation. What types of venues, if I can put it that way, is Slovakia using? Has the ambassador any useful tips on how we can prepare and best help those people who are coming to the country?

Has the ambassador any concerns? I have heard some unverified reports. I cannot attest to the correctness of what I am about to say. Because of the scale of the numbers of people moving from Ukraine to its neighbouring countries, there is ad hoctransportation to bring people to different locations and perhaps to ferry them to other transportation links or other countries. I would ask this question of a representative of any country, but how is Slovakia verifying that transportation and has the ambassador any concerns about the trafficking of, in particular, vulnerable women? I ask that question without accusing Slovakia of anything. I have heard some stories. Because of the necessity for transportation, it is difficult to vet people and carry out background checks. Many people are offering their services for free. It is a panicked situation because we need to get people away from the borders and reception centres and deliver them to other locations. There is no way of checking individuals who are providing those services, most of whom, I am sure, are doing the best of work. However, as with any crisis, one or two people are looking to do the wrong thing, if I can put it that way.