Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Labour Party, I thank the Ceann Comhairle and all of the staff in Leinster House for all of their immense work over the past term and I hope that everybody enjoys a well-earned break over the recess.

I raise concerns about accommodation for those who have come here to our shores seeking refuge, particularly from the brutal war in Ukraine. There are concerning reports today that the transit centre at City West Hotel is accommodating more than 1,000 people and has no longer any further capacity. We know that there are sites like the former Baggot Street hospital in my own constituency still sitting vacant. I know that the Tánaiste said that the Cabinet subcommittee will meet this afternoon to consider contingency planning and responses but, clearly, this is a serious issue of humanitarian concern. Front-line staff across the public service are doing their very best but the situation is very difficult. What will happen to refugees from Ukraine who arrive in Ireland today and over the weekend? Will the Government heed the calls of the Ukraine Civil Society Forum for a national refugee response lead for the settlement of refugees here?

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