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

I have regular interaction with my colleagues in the Government on this issue and have communicated the industry's concerns about the long-term effect this issue could potentially have on our tourism sector, especially, as the Deputy said, with the tourism season really kicking off in March.

I meet the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, every week and have discussed the impact of the humanitarian response on tourism with him and other Cabinet colleagues.

The Government has approved the construction of rapid-build homes, with the potential to house up to 2,800 individuals and family units. These will be built on State-owned land. After a programme of engagement with public representatives and local authorities, work has begun on the first phase of sites in Cork, Cavan, Claremorris, Mallow and Thurles. Following further engagement and the completion of suitability assessment work, further sites will come on stream in the coming weeks.

I met the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation, ITIC, in December following the publication of its report on the impact of the Ukrainian conflict. Officials in my Department and Fáilte Ireland meet representatives of the tourism sector monthly. These meetings are hosted by Fáilte Ireland. The hospitality and tourism forum that the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Coveney, and I will co-chair will meet next week to hear and address concerns.

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