Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

We all share the revulsion at the actions of the Russian Government in invading Ukraine. Over the past week, what we have seen unfolding before our eyes are acts of violence and cruelty, and an attack on the most fundamental principles of sovereignty, self-determination and democracy. Few of us every expected to see scenes like this unfold in our lifetime and on our continent. We have also seen the resolve of Ukrainian citizens, in Ukraine and abroad, standing up against Russian aggression and this existential threat against their country. As others have stated, our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine. We stand with them in this hour of need.

This is a moment for European solidarity, not just in words but in actions too. The Irish public has been rightly horrified by events in Ukraine. As the Taoiseach said earlier, the Government must be generous in its response to the crisis. That is what the Irish public want to see. People have already begun to arrive from Ukraine, including a small number who have claimed international protection. In the coming days, we expect to see, for the first time in 15 years, unaccompanied minors from Ukraine arriving into Ireland and seeking international protection. We are potentially facing into a level of displacement not seen within Europe since the Second World War. Collective solidarity across the EU is the best response to this crisis. In this collective response, Ireland will not be found wanting.

This is a moment of international crisis. Our country may be asked to make a collective national effort to provide sanctuary for civilians. If that happens, all of Government and every community in this country must rise to that challenge and do our part to help all those from Ukraine who seek refuge here, whether in the short term or for longer. That is the character of Irish people and what our people expect us as their political leaders. We have a strong track record in this area in recent years. In responding to the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan, we offered humanitarian visas to more than 500 vulnerable individuals through the Irish refugee protection programme. We are also continue to meet our ongoing commitments to support Syrian refugees who are integrating into communities across the country. We are ready to provide accommodation to Ukrainian refugees who are offered temporary protection in Ireland. I want to support as many people as possible. The Government wishes to support as many people as possible. I know this is the also desire of the Irish people.

It is too early as yet to know what the likely demands on our assistance will be. Many Ukrainians may wish to remain close to the border with Ukraine in order to enable them to return home as soon as possible, if that becomes feasible. Officials from my Department are working closely with all Departments and State agencies under the co-ordination of the Department of the Taoiseach. This work will allow us identify the type and the scale of the resources needed to ensure that Ireland is a position to respond in a comprehensive and compassionate manner to those fleeing the crisis in Ukraine. We will work intensively in the days and weeks ahead to demonstrate to the people of Ukraine that we stand with them in this hour of need and that in the face of this indefensible aggression, our shared humanity will win out in the end.

See this speech in context