Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy on our moral responsibility but also our legal responsibilities to provide accommodation for Ukrainians who are displaced persons under the EU temporary protection directive and those seeking international protection while their application is being adjudicated on.

International protection is incredibly important and we must make sure there is confidence and strength in that system. There are people fleeing wars in Afghanistan, Yemen and Syria who need the support of international protection. That is why, as well as our provision of accommodation for Ukrainians, we are now accommodating 12,000 people. There has been a significant increase in international protection applicants and a range of factors is responsible for that. These include the post-Covid-19 situation and the change in the UK policy, which has also had a significant impact in respect of the large increase in the numbers seeking international protection here.

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