Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I raise an important issue in respect of the support available to Irish people and families who opened their homes to many Ukrainian refugees who came here as a result of the terrible actions of the Russians. As the Taoiseach knows, the Irish people have never been shy when it comes to supporting those most in need. When the call for support came, Irish people answered in their thousands. In many cases, they even travelled to airports to collect Ukrainian refugees who fled. Over the past weeks, I have had many calls and visits from the families who took in Ukrainian refugees to outline the difficulties that they face. It is important to put on record that those people have not for one minute regretted their decision to take in Ukrainian refugees, and if they had to do it again, they would not hesitate.

The issue people are having is that they feel isolated, with no support. They have very little, if any, contact from the relevant Departments. They feel they have nowhere to go for support and advice. They have no regrets about opening their homes to Ukrainian refugees but they are finding it difficult and financially challenging. They have increased energy and food bills and, on top of this, there are massive hikes in energy prices. When they look for assistance from the Departments, they feel they are being ignored. The commercial hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation are being paid to house Ukrainian refugees. The people who opened their homes to the same refugees are not getting any support.

This is wrong and must be addressed. It is wrong that these people are left isolated without any support or assistance. They were good enough to open their homes at a time of great need but now they feel ignored. They seek support from various Departments and get no response. This morning, President Zelenskyy outlined the support that Ukrainians need right now. We all need to continue to support the Ukrainian people in a time of great need. We also need to support the Irish people who have been good enough to open their homes. In many instances, they and their families have made considerable sacrifices. It is simply not fair that these people receive absolutely no support while hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation receive full support for taking in refugees.

I ask the Taoiseach to assist with this issue and get proper support to the many thousands of Irish people and families who have opened their homes to Ukrainian refugees. This morning, the Taoiseach told the Ukrainian president, "our home is your home." Thousands of Irish people have opened their homes to Ukrainian refugees. I believe this is the right place for them to be. It is a family atmosphere. Irish people have always put their shoulders to the wheel when needed. Irish people are not complaining and would do this again and again but they are getting no support. They get bills, including electricity bills, pick up Ukrainian children to bring them to school every day, and are looking for nothing. Everything is increasing. All I am asking for is for the Government to help these people the way they helped the Ukrainian refugees.

See this speech in context