Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)

Whatever. We need to be cautious. There is a legitimate point to be made that we need to cut down on expenditure and that the State needs to be much more careful in spending money. As I said, because of the surge and the crises in 2022, 2023 and 2024, contracts were entered into and we had to enter into them rapidly. People who provide accommodation and enter into contracts with the State are not doing anything wrong. It is a commercial enterprise they are involved in.

I note what the Deputy stated about Ukrainians. What I am seeking to do is cut down on the cost to the State in terms of providing accommodation to Ukrainians or international protection applicants. I have no doubt that both groups make a great contribution in Ireland. I have listened very carefully to what the Deputy said about the contribution of Ukrainian people and children in south Kerry and how they have played a role in dealing with the depopulation of the area. There is no reason why they cannot stay but what I cannot do, and what the State cannot do, is provide endless subsidised or free accommodation. We cannot do that. Very many people have come in, whether they are asylum applicants or beneficiaries of temporary protection. They come in, get themselves up on their feet, the State provides a certain amount of accommodation and then they go off and do their own thing. That is happening across the board. I am very pleased to hear-----