Tom Clonan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Rooney for that. As a layperson who is outside the loop, I wondered whether she felt it had got to the point where it should be called an emergency. From her response it seems she does not consider it to be.

This situation or crisis - I would call it an emergency - is being exploited by people on the far right and people who have other agendas. It is an intended consequence of the aggression in Ukraine to sow discontent and disunity throughout Europe and to put people under pressure. I echo what Deputy Brady said about the communications effort. Local media could possibly be targeted. All the Departments and sections have press or information people and resources. Some of the big corporate communications firms are also held on contract with the Departments to manage this. I urge the witnesses, when they are reporting back, to note that there is a wider narrative that needs to be dealt with in addition to the nuts and bolts of dealing with the accommodation itself. Media and public discourse challenges always come when we are at our busiest. They are not some kind of cosmetic add-on. They are essential because what is being exploited by elements in our society is an intended consequence and part of what the Kremlin is about.

I thank the witnesses for their answers and their time.