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

It has been well over a year since the start of Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine. I have just come from a briefing that I hosted with members of Ukrainian Action. They gave us valuable insights into the experiences of those many thousands of Ukrainians who have sought refuge here and who have been joined by people from other countries fleeing conflict and persecution. They have received an immense welcome from the majority of people in communities across the country. They are extremely grateful for, and appreciative of, that. However, a small and unrepresentative group of activists have engaged in dreadful behaviour, including burning tents in my constituency, blockades and causing injuries, which has happened in other counties. We obviously condemn that absolutely horrific behaviour outright. I renew my call for the Taoiseach and Government to ensure there is greater co-ordination and leadership from the Government centrally on the provision of secure accommodation to those who have come here to seek refuge.

I thank the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy O'Gorman, for his direct engagement with me on this topic, in particular around the encampment on Mount Street Lower. There are still people sleeping in tents there and we need a stronger and more coherent all-of-government response.

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