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

Tusla is acutely aware of its responsibility in this matter, particularly because this is a crisis having such a detrimental impact on children. Bernard Gloster was on "Morning Ireland" this morning. I did not catch his interview, but he has been in regular contact with me and my Department on these issues. As the Deputy said, we and Tusla have moved quickly to address the situation of the 22 children referred to. The Ukrainian authorities have also written to us on the broader issue of the use of adoption during a wartime situation and to ensure that wartime is not used as an opportunity for adoption laws to be taken advantage of. We will be sending a strong official response to say that we recognise that that is the case. The protection of children is, therefore, very much a focus. I have several other questions on Ukraine later and I can probably use those opportunities to outline more details in this respect.

I join with Deputy Sherlock in paying tribute to the great work being done in his constituency and communities all over the country. I had an opportunity to see some of the amazing work being done in Blanchardstown yesterday. The national effort is absolutely spectacular.

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