Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

It is important to acknowledge the incredible response of the Irish people to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The outpouring of solidarity and assistance has been incredible. Within a short time, Ukrainian refugees have established themselves in communities, with children enriching our local schools and adults helping to address staff shortages. I recognise the immediacy of the Government's response to the situation and the role of the Minister and his Department in this. The speed and scale of the response is admirable. It shows what is possible when the Government decides to act. Fair play to all in the Department.

Why is the reaction to this crisis so different from that to the conflicts in Syria and Afghanistan when families were also fleeing violence? The Tánaiste said it is a difference that is only natural, since Ukraine is in Ireland's neighbourhood. Does the Minister agree with the Tánaiste? What is his explanation for the difference in approach? Non-governmental areas involved in asylum and refugee support have expressed concern about the emergence of a two-tier system. I mentioned that Ukrainians can take up work immediately, while people in the asylum system have to wait for months. People from Ukraine, even if they are living in hotels and hostels, have access to full social protection allowances, while other protection applicants get the much lower direct provision allowance. Many people in the international protection process wait months for a temporary residence certificate to be issued, whereas people from Ukraine get an expedited personal public service number, PPSN, without the need for a temporary protection letter. It is important to note that the temporary residence certificate is a crucial document because it is necessary to get a PPSN, a medical card and the daily expenses allowance. These delays prevent access to education and work. They force people to live in poverty for weeks and months.

Some of the points I raised relate to other Departments, such as the Department of Social Protection, but as the co-ordinating Minister, what does he think about the emergence of what NGOs call a two-tier system? Now that we have seen what we can do, will the changes afforded to Ukrainian refugees be extended to all people in the international protection process? What is the Minister doing to address delays in accessing temporary residence certificates?