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

First, I want to record again our absolute condemnation of the actions of Russia in invading Ukraine and to extend our solidarity to the Ukrainian people at this time. The actions of the Russian Federation are illegal, brutal and unjust. No country should be subjected to the kind of military aggression faced by Ukraine. The priority must be to end this invasion and secure a Russian withdrawal from Ukrainian territory. To that end, we hope peace talks in Istanbul will be successful and that peace can prevail.

I welcome yesterday's decision by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to expel four Russian diplomats from the State. It is now past time for the Government to act in the strongest possible terms by expelling the Russian ambassador. I say this because the humanitarian crisis that unfolds before us daily demands action at that level - a tough diplomatic stance by Ireland, with no room for ambiguity and with no relief from our absolute rejection of this Russian imperial aggression and this illegal war. We need to send that message clearly and consistently. I know the Government has waited for an EU-wide response to this. There has been, to say the least, a dragging of feet in this regard across the Continent. Ireland should act now regardless. The time for putting this matter on the long finger is over.

As others have stated, Irish people have been very generous in their support for Ukraine and for Ukrainian refugees coming to this country. This illustrates the solidarity there is with the people of Ukraine. I agree with the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, that this human instinct extends to all refugees and to everyone seeking international protection in our country. The solidarity and generosity of our people now begs that the Government set out a clear and comprehensive plan for our response to this crisis. I appreciate the updates from the Ministers today and I commend the work done thus far.

However, I have to ask questions about the accommodation needs, particularly in the medium and long term, of Ukrainian families feeling to our shores seeking safety. The Government needs to move beyond short-term planning, as necessary as it is now, and wide generalisations, towards being very specific. The Irish Red Cross, as ever, is agile and effective. I record our appreciation of its effort. However, what is required to accommodate people and to end direct provision - the commitment in that regard has been reiterated in the House - will be a very ambitious and radically different approach to housing and accommodation from what we have seen thus far.

I want to mention two additional matters. The first relates to mental health supports for families and children, in particular, who come here. We know our services are under pressure anyway. We need a sense from the Government of what will be done in terms of increased capacity and resources in order that every child, irrespective of whether they are Ukrainian, Afghan, Syrian or Irish, will have his or her needs met. Second, I note the need for real, tangible support for the community groups and grassroots activists who will embrace those seeking international protection.

Everything possible must be done to ensure a diplomatic and peaceful end to the invasion of Ukraine happens as soon as possible. The Ukrainians are the best placed to judge Russia's intentions and announcements that it is scaling back its military operations. So far, they simply do not buy it. Indeed, the words of the Ukrainian President, that the positive signs "do not drown out the explosions of Russian shells", sums up the situation and is a powerful reminder of the sheer brutality of this attack. It must end. Russia must cease its illegal and unjust actions and withdraw.

On that point, we are undoubtedly united. Seasaimíd leis an Úcráin ag an am seo. Tugaimid ár dtacaíocht di, cuirimid ár ndlúthpháirtíocht chuici, agus guímid gach rath uirthi sna cainteanna síochána.

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