Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Munster. As I said, we are resolute in our solidarity and support for Ukraine. More than 45,000 Ukrainian people have sought accommodation from the State in addition to more than 16,000 international protection applicants. This compares with 7,500 at the same time last year. The Minister, Deputy O'Gorman's, Department has sourced accommodation for the equivalent of the population of Waterford city in the past six months. My officials have communicated concerns to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, especially in respect of the peak period, which starts from around St. Patrick's Day onwards. I have communicated these concerns also to the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman. That is why I am glad my Department is represented on that senior officials' group that is focusing on meeting the current humanitarian accommodation and other needs and conveying the concerns of the tourism sector.

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