Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I do not want to juxtapose in the mainstream the ongoing national provision of services for disabilities with the war in Ukraine. The war in Ukraine is devastating for the people of Ukraine. It has enormous implications for the Continent of Europe and the world at large. Across the board we will have to rise above what we do normally in respect of helping and doing everything we can to support the people of Ukraine as part of the European Union. I do not think we can resile from that. We are doing analysis of the refugees coming into the country so it can inform the type of responses we need to make. Apart from accommodation we will need responses in education, early childcare and health. It is very serious. For example, yesterday I was informed that approximately 6,000 unaccompanied minors from Ukraine have entered the European Union. We will have a share of them. It is an appalling vista to comprehend and we cannot let these children behind. We have to do everything we can and rise above what we normally do. I appreciate the points the Deputy is making and she is making them honestly and I accept that.

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