Dáil debates

Thursday, 5 May 2022

Accommodation Needs of Those Fleeing Ukraine: Statements

 

2:35 pm

Photo of Chris AndrewsChris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this issue. Unfortunately since the previous occasion I spoke on this matter the situation in Ukraine has become even worse. The human cost of the war continues to grow as cities are razed, towns are steamrolled and villages are laid to rest. Nowhere appears to be out of reach of Russian brutality. Even cities in the far west of Ukraine such as Lviv are targeted.

Sadly we have often seen the brutal use of missiles in recent years by so-called great powers and superpowers. As ever, civilians the world over continue to pay the price for the wars of the elite. It is ordinary men, women and children in the firing line. Whether it is residential neighbourhoods in Mariupol, children playing in Gaza, weddings or field hospitals in Afghanistan or starving villages in Yemen or Somalia modern remote warfare always hurts innocent civilians the most. While some states try to normalise this brutal form of war it is the responsibility of neutral states such as Ireland to call it out. It is also our responsibility to lead against the war and against the institutions that facilitate it.

The efforts of Ireland's diplomatic mission at the United Nations and the leadership it has shown have not gone unnoticed. However, I believe our political leadership can and should go further. The United Nations and not NATO is the proper forum for delivering aid to Ukraine if sought and, if sought, a peacekeeping mission. Ireland can and should be more vocal on this point. We should be acting as leaders for a non-aligned policy of peacekeeping at the Security Council. We must challenge the veto of imperialist powers, whether that is Russia or any other great power, and ensure human rights, peace and solidarity are the defining virtues of UN decision making. We must use our position to show leadership among the non-aligned nations of the world and advocate a new democratic model of UN decision making. While imperialist powers continue to hold a veto against UN peacekeeping deployments they will continue in their war of aggression the world over.

As has been mentioned, it is important that we accept those fleeing Russian terror. The generosity of the public needs to be reflected by the Government. We have the resources to house all and it is important that we do not divide society. Earlier, Deputy Ó Broin made suggestions that are worth taking on board. I acknowledge the work the Irish Refugee Council and local authorities have done on managing the reception of Ukrainian refugees. Dublin City Council has been very supportive of the community that is welcoming residents at the Evergreen Club in Terenure.

I acknowledge the work and commitment of the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman. He and his staff have been hugely professional, supportive and encouraging. Along with all of his staff they have made a huge difference. I welcome the commitment by the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, to ensure the current targets are not impacted by Ukrainian refugees. This would only set vulnerable groups against each other and could damage social cohesion and social solidarity and give the extremists an opportunity to develop their hate. As do other Deputies, I believe the Baggot Street hospital provides an opportunity to develop support and it is important that it is done.

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