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

What work is being done to ensure greater Government co-ordination in policy decisions being taken at Government level with regard to the accommodation of refugees and those seeking asylum and international protection? For months, I have consistently raised the need for a more co-ordinated approach on the part of Government to the provision of accommodation and of information to communities throughout the country that are offering such a warm welcome to those who came here to seek refuge. We have called for a public information campaign such as that rolled out so successfully during Covid to address the misinformation and downright lies that are being spread by a very small number of sinister actors regarding refugees and those seeking international protection. This is a live issue in communities throughout the country. Many of our own local representatives and councillors are facing a backlash from a small number of these sinister actors. They need, as we do, more information from the Government and a clear channel of communication with the Government regarding the accommodation of refugees and asylum seekers. We saw tens of thousands of people coming out on Saturday to show solidarity at the Ireland for All rally and to stand in solidarity against racism and any sort of anti-refugee sentiment, but we need to see that goodwill and solidarity supported by the Government to a much greater extent.

Does the package of cost-of-living measures announced earlier include any climate action measures? We want to see a more co-ordinated Government approach on climate action. We have proposed the €9 per month public transport ticket would be adopted today or this week as part of the cost-of-living measures, but also as a measure that would greatly assist in reducing our carbon emissions.

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