Dáil debates

Tuesday, 22 November 2022

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

 

3:20 pm

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

On Deputy McDonald's issue I want to put on the record of the House my thanks to our public servants and my recognition of the work they do across government and the massive effort that has and continues to go into making sure those who have come to our country seeking refuge have speedy access to the shelter and support they need. We do not have an option but to avail of all offers of accommodation including those that in ordinary times we would not consider appropriate. This includes the use of repurposed office buildings, sports facilities and tented structures. We are not in ordinary times. We are doing all we can to provide shelter and to comply with our international obligations.

As of 13 November there were 17,192 people accommodated through the International Protection Accommodation System, IPAS. By comparison at this point last year there were approximately 7,250 in IPAS accommodation. This is just with regard to international protection alone, separate from the Ukraine war situation. Because of the brutal war that Putin is raging almost 60,000 people have arrived in Ireland. We saw the warnings this morning in respect of a freezing winter in Ukraine and the utter destruction of the infrastructure there. In my view this will accelerate further migration to Europe. Approximately 14 million people have been displaced. We need to consult and we also need to engage with the public on the horrible reality that war has brought upon the Continent of Europe. There are no easy solutions. We cannot suggest to people, unfortunately, that there are easy solutions. The Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, has been before the Dáil in respect of this issue. He has spoken and engaged. There is no magic solution. In the context of East Wall-----

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.