Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yes. My understanding is the pandemic bonus payment has commenced. I will follow up on the issuing of it more broadly with the Minister for Health.

On Deputy Stanton's issue, I thank all the schools for the work they have been doing in taking in so many children from Ukraine in so quick a time. Clearly, resources are required in respect of interpreters and English language teaching. To be fair, we are getting closer to the end of the school term. Certainly, we will need to have that situation organised more effectively by the autumn session. There has been an absorption period since Ukrainians arrived in the country but we have to make sure we have comprehensive provision in respect of that.

I believe a process is in place in which MLSA are participants. It is important all sides work with conviction to bring the matter to a conclusion. I ask for the strike action perhaps to be lifted pending the outcome of this particular phase of talks.

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