Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is a couple of aspects to that. First, this is a request that has come from the humanitarian response Cabinet sub-committee which is cross-departmental. The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, have made this request on the basis that in terms of getting adequate accommodation on a temporary basis - there is a sunset clause up to 31 December 2028 - there is a requirement to extend the period of time for 31 December 2024 to 31 December 2028, and furthermore to extend the range of premises that are available for Ukrainians similar to international protection applicants. There are a number of practicalities. For instance, student accommodation is not included unless out of term time. Out of term time, it is excluded. That is a practical measure. However, we are in a situation where we have people coming from Ukraine from of a war-torn country and we want to welcome them. There are practicalities involved in ensuring we can get available premises. Going back to Deputy O'Brien's point, the premises have to meet standards of building controls and safety. This is something on which we will be very insistent and for which we will redouble our efforts, particularly with local authorities.