Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

The horrors being unleashed by Putin’s regime in Ukraine are grotesque and we would all agree they are totally inhumane. The suffering of the Ukrainian people is increasing with every passing day as Putin’s campaign of terror intensifies. We also agree that the unprecedented exodus of refugees from Ukraine demands an unprecedented response by this State. It is being reported that up to 200,000 refugees, and potentially even more, could ultimately seek safety in Ireland. That is a number that would pose truly unprecedented challenges. While we must do everything we can to ensure we can help as many people as possible, it is important that detailed and clear plans are put in place to enable us to do so. I fully acknowledge that the situation is fast-moving and in flux but I hope the Tánaiste is in a position to update the House on some of those preparatory plans and I have a number of questions in that regard.

Is a single Government Department and a single Minister going to lead on the national response? Numerous Government Departments will clearly be involved so will there be a cross-departmental task force established to co-ordinate the overarching Government response? Responses in local areas are terrific but they must be also co-ordinated to ensure refugees are receiving the necessary treatment services and entitlements and that these are similar, regardless of in what part of the country they are housed. For example, the Community Call initiative linked local and national government with the community and voluntary sectors and it provided an effective network. It worked extremely well during Covid. Will that be revived to streamline local responses?

I commend the generosity of the tens of thousands of Irish people who have volunteered to house refugees but a huge amount of additional supply will be required. Today’s edition of the Irish Examinerhas reported that a nationwide sweep of vacant houses is being undertaken, with estate agents being asked to identify units. While I regret that such a proactive approach to identifying vacant housing was not taken previously, I welcome that the Government is finally acting in this regard. It is reported that owners of hotels, bed and breakfast accommodation, community centres and properties of religious orders are also being approached. Can the Tánaiste advise the House how many rooms or properties the State is attempting to acquire? It is also being reported that emergency planning powers will be used to provide emergency accommodation. Can the Tánaiste advise if locations for this emergency accommodation have been identified and the nature of the accommodation envisaged? For example, will it be modular housing or some other type of emergency housing?

See this speech in context