Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

First, I condemn Russia's actions in invading Ukraine. There is no justification for this assault on its sovereign neighbour. I praise the Ukrainian people for their valiant resistance in the face of this appalling aggression. I welcome the Government's decision to expel four Russian embassy staff. I question the reason Russia needs 30 members of staff in its embassy here in the first place.

It is welcome that the Government is fast-tracking the asylum process for Ukrainian refugees and has not, so far, put a restriction on the number coming here to escape this dreadful conflict. However, this begs the question as to why this was not done for others fleeing equally terrifying war zones such as Syria and Afghanistan. While this is a developing situation, I again question the Government's preparedness for the large number of refugees arriving. We have known for over a month that we will be dealing with large numbers. The use of State facilities which are currently not in use, such as closed Army barracks, is appropriate as a temporary measure in this type of emergency. Housing refugees in these numbers is rightly seen as an emergency which warrants rapid and flexible Government action. Again, however, this begs the further question as to why this type of emergency mindset has not been brought to bear on the housing crisis. I am told the local authorities are being inundated with correspondence from people on housing waiting lists to see if their applications for housing will be affected. The message that this is not the case has to be communicated to the general public. We do not need to leave any space open for far-right groups to propagate their racism and fear.

I welcome the dialogue that has opened between Ukraine and Russia and I call on the Government to encourage and assist this in any way it can, especially using its position on the UN Security Council. This invasion should be brought to an end and the best way to do that is through dialogue.

I have questions on a number of issues. Has the Government put in place supports for disabled refugees coming to this country? There is bound to be a significant number and they will need additional support. I am aware that many disabled people and carers are willing to open their homes to refugees, but they are concerned that they might lose social protection or housing payments. The message that this is not the case must be communicated to them. For example, somebody will not lose his or her living alone allowance. Finally, many refugees coming to this country will be highly qualified in health and social care professions. Is anything being put in place to examine how those very qualified people could be employed, if they choose, in our very understaffed healthcare system?

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