Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have witnessed 35 days of agony for the people of Ukraine in an act of aggression we never thought would darken our Continent again. As always the Irish people have stepped up to the plate and welcomed with open arms those fleeing inhumanity and bloodshed. I compliment the Government's response to the initial and immediate crisis, working to ensure local capacity and resources are factored into the overall humanitarian response. That response has been hugely important within local communities and for voluntary groups. We have to commend their truly incredible work to date.

In my own county of Mayo we have not been found wanting when it comes to providing homes for Ukrainians, with over 300 having been accommodated in Breaffy House Hotel outside Castlebar. The local Candle of Grace charity organisation has also been to the fore, helping to find homes around the county for over 30 families and also sending aid to Red Cross units supporting refugees in Ukraine.

The activation of the community response forum will be an important element to enhance local co-ordination for community and voluntary response. We saw how successful that was during Covid-19. Putting those structures in place now will be an important step forward. Schools, childcare facilities, transport services, healthcare centres and GP services will all need ancillary supports. I hope this will be co-ordinated at national and local level.

I want to commend Ireland on providing over €20 million in humanitarian assistance to support the UN and the Red Cross to deliver life-saving humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and the neighbouring countries. Our diplomatic efforts have also resulted in four senior officials being asked to leave the State. This sends a strong message that the Russians' actions are completely unjust. The recent volatility in prices has also demonstrated just how this war has impacted on us all. Similar to the Ukrainian people and their response in the face of tyranny, we must stick together as a nation and remember the struggles of those not too far from home.

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