Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We heard earlier in this session about the large numbers of refugees - those seeking international safety - who will land on our shores and we are all anxious to respond in the fullest way that we can. It is essential that the Opposition is fully briefed on Government plans for accommodation and service provision in the short, medium and long term. It is essential that the Tánaiste makes clear to the House that party leaders will be briefed and that the House in its entirety will be briefed on the specific approach that Government will take and on the specific resource that will be made available. This has to happen as a matter of urgency. People are rightly, in a sense of compassion and concern, asking how we will manage all of this and Government needs to respond.

See this speech in context