Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that. We would like to hear more about it as and when the Minister is able to provide the information.

It is welcome that the European Union will trigger the temporary protection directive and that Ireland will, from what the Government has said, participate fully in it. That is important. The visa waiver is another important move. It was deeply frustrating to members of the Ukrainian community in Ireland, however, that it came only with the outbreak of war and the invasion of their country. A number of them were pleading with the Government to make it easier for people, including their family members, to come to Ireland before war broke out, while there were still flights coming here from Ukraine.

People need certainty in terms of what will happen next. I welcome the indication from the Minister for Justice that Ukrainian citizens will be able to work and contribute fully to Irish society when they come here. Very significant resources will have to put in place to provide shelter and other supports. I welcome the comments by the Taoiseach earlier indicating that the scale of the response will be unprecedented and on a level not contemplated before. That certainly is needed. Last Thursday, the Tánaiste gave a commitment to provide practical assistance to people fleeing from Ukraine. We need more information on what that practical assistance will be. Ireland can and should be organising flights out of eastern Poland for people who want to come here, especially those looking to be reunited with their families who are living here, whether they are Ukrainian citizens, Irish citizens or otherwise. Getting to the eastern part of Poland is a huge journey, trauma and ordeal for people. If they manage to get that far, we should be providing assistance to them. We must do everything we can to support the Ukrainian community in Ireland in its moment of need.

There have been disturbing reports of the mistreatment of African students in their attempts to leave Ukraine. It is critically important that everyone fleeing war is treated equally. There must be no repeat of the treatment of Syrian refugees, some of whom have been waiting in Beirut for up to two years, having been promised support in terms of coming to Ireland. They say they have received very little communication or support.

This really is a time for us, as a country, to do everything we can in terms of our humanitarian response. The people of Ireland and the Members of this House support that very strongly. We must do everything we can to support the people of Ukraine. We must do all we can to support those who are under attack at this moment, including very strong humanitarian support for people in that country. I appreciate the Minister's comments regarding this being done at an international level. We will want to hear more information about what specifically Ireland is doing in that regard. We can play a leadership role in this, which is what people want to see.

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