John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge that there is some communication in relation to new centres being opened. That is to be welcomed. I agree that fantastic work is going on in communities where there are welcoming groups that are visiting people and bringing goods and whatever is needed for refugees and internationally displaced persons. That has to be welcomed, but there needs to be a collective approach to tackling that false narrative that some groups are looking to spin. We, in the Opposition, want to be part of that. The communications strategy is going to be key to that. I know the Department of the Taoiseach is developing the strategy, but I ask for a commitment from the Minister of State that when it is put in place, there will be a cross-party briefing for the Opposition to be part of it, because we need to be included in that. I also ask for a commitment in terms of communications with local authorities. They need to be a key component of this. I refer not just to the elected representatives, but also the officials within the local authorities.

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