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

I thank the Taoiseach for indicating that he will engage formally with Opposition leaders and spokespersons on this. I welcome that. It is very important that we ensure the strong political support is there across the spectrum and across Opposition and the Government. We have seen divisions being sewn in other countries over this issue and it is really important we do not allow that to happen here. That is really commendable.

I also thank the Taoiseach for engaging with me on the Baggot Street hospital site. I have also put forward other properties, however, as have my Labour Party colleagues. We await a Government response on that. It would be very welcome to have a process where we can feed in constructive proposals to address this, including the ramping up of modular housing. As the Taoiseach said, that does offer a way forward.

It is good to hear about vacant State-owned properties that are being repurposed, which is very welcome. The Ukraine Civil Society Forum asked for better management and co-ordination, however, including communication with local authorities and communities and a proper structure to manage the response, monitor standards in welfare and facilitate all the offers of pledged accommodation. This should offer clear communication from the centre of Government and as the Taoiseach said, a clear sense that this issue is being addressed across all Departments to the same degree. That does not appear to be the case in the public perception. It is very important that we see leadership from the centre of Government.

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