Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Migration has always been part of our national story, both inward and outward. Sometimes, that is people moving in search of adventure or employment and, at other times, it is people moving here to learn, to work and to live. Often, it is people coming to our shores in search of international protection. Whatever the reason may be, what we need is an immigration system that is fair and compassionate. Those who do not have a legal right to stay must have access to fair procedures and right of appeal but, ultimately, they must leave. The Government is working on making that decision-making process faster in a way that puts fairness at the heart of the process.

This last year has been unprecedented, not just here in Ireland but right across the world. The illegal invasion of Ukraine has led to millions of Ukrainians fleeing Russia's war and 72,000 of those have arrived here. We have offered them refuge from the war, from terror and from fear not just because it is our international obligation to do so, but because it is the right thing to do.

Catering to that many people has not been without its challenges. Having said that, it is a response that we all should be proud of nonetheless. I know I am proud of how so many in my constituency have rallied and responded. Like every other area, in my area hotels and, indeed, an office block have become home to Ukrainians and those applying for international protection. It has not been easy for communities but there have been incredible examples of community integration, volunteerism and assistance. Clondalkin Tidy Towns have a number of new arrivals to the community now volunteering with them regularly. Saggart Village Residents’ Association had a Christmas fair with Ukrainian stalls to help to integrate their culture and traditions into this community beside Citywest. Clondalkin College of Further Education and my local county council libraries ran English-language courses to help people.

Educational welfare officers and principals found school places for children. It is services like that which really are essential. I welcome the €2.7 million allocated to my council under the community recognition fund put in place by the Minister, Deputy Humphreys. I am sure it will be put to good use.

About 800 of the 85,000 people who have arrived here in the last year are in the reception centre in Citywest today. I condemn those who have protested outside that centre and those who are pushing the far-right agenda through racist rhetoric. Since the opening of the Citywest transit hub I have been in direct contact with the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, and with local gardaí. I have visited the centre and seen at first hand people queueing up with nothing more than a suitcase of belongings. I have seen at first hand the work on the ground by staff from various Departments and from volunteers. I commend them for it. I acknowledge the conditions they are working in and put on record the absolute need for a second reception centre at another location.

More than a third of working-age Ukrainian refugees are now in jobs. They are making their contribution to our economy and society. That is integration. However, it should not stop there. We need more investment, including in areas such as healthcare, and especially mental health and disability services, to ensure that as our population grows our services grow to meet that new demand. We also need clearer lines of communication with communities. Service provision and communication must be our priorities because that is how we build a diverse, inclusive and modern society.

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