Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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In his opening statement, the Minister referred to emergency centres that have been opened in all parts of the country, with some 40 accommodation locations utilised since January, across 13 counties. Does someone go out to these emergency centres to check the health and safety standards? How are they assessed, whether with regard to beds, showers, or other matters? What are the plans for the rest of the country? It was good to hear the Minister speak about working across government, with different agencies, non-governmental organisations and local authorities to bring new accommodation into use. He spoke about the new vacant home that he is looking at working on. Communication here is critical. How we speak about this and how this happens to local authorities is important.

The Minister might correct me on this next matter. I believe there was originally talk of quick builds and modular builds. Was that just something that was said rather than being true?

I have spoken to the Minister about refugees. I compliment the Irish people, who have shown so much solidarity and worked so hard to help in any way they can. There have been challenges, as the Minister knows. Most people have shown goodwill, which is welcome. People came into my office and said that they had rooms in their houses, but found it hard to get someone into the rooms. It is a new system. I felt it was not working properly.

I also spoke to the Minister about local authorities. I welcome that he now has a director of services for Ukrainians working with local authorities. I know from speaking to people that the local authorities were not looking after accommodation. That has become an issue. I was delighted about the Minister's opening statement. Local authorities play a huge part in their respective areas because they have local knowledge. If I had a room and wanted to give it out, I would speak to someone in my local authority and have it dealt with straight away, particularly for elderly people or people who are not in a position to go online. That is a significant challenge that needs to be looked at. I know, as the Minister and everyone else does, that the local authority can only do so much. Having someone there who is able to give information will be vital.

The Minister spoke about the leaflet. While I welcome it, I want to know what is on it. Is it about more accommodation? Does it have information about the role of local authorities? At the weekend, we saw that 10 million civilians in Ukraine were without electricity and water. That is unacceptable. I know there are challenges. I believe that we will all do our part and work as well as we can to help with accommodation and employment.

Does the Minister find that language is a big barrier? I know he is working with many different services. A lady came into me the other day who was lovely but did not have a word of English. It is important that we try to understand the language and help as much as we can. I know we are all working together to do what we can.