Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The Government is committed to doing all it can to support all those seeking refuge in Ireland. As the Deputy said, there is significant pressure to find sufficient suitable accommodation for all who seek it. Ireland has provided accommodation to more than 99,000 people between those fleeing the war in Ukraine and international protection applicants. That compares to 8,300 people in early February 2022. Of those, 74,000 are beneficiaries of temporary protection who are fleeing the war in Ukraine, and a further 25,000 are international protection applicants.

In a situation where the availability of suitable accommodation for both Ukrainians and international protection applicants remains extremely challenging, suitable temporary contingency measures continue to be explored. My Department is aware that some types of accommodation, such as tented solutions, are far from ideal and we continue to work hard to find alternative solutions that provide shelter for all who need it.

I am aware of some of the recent commentary and media coverage referring to perceived pull factors that attract refugees to Ireland. It is important to state at the outset that clear and well-established rights to claim international protection are set out. They are binding in Ireland, all European countries and countries all over the world. There are also clear legal rights in terms of those who seek temporary protection fleeing the war in Ukraine. As a country, we have much to be proud of in terms of our response over the last 18 months. Ireland continues to keep its obligations, particularly under the temporary protection directive under review. As the Deputy knows, there is work ongoing across government right now looking at the scope of our offering under the temporary protection directive.

I will use some of my supplementary time to respond directly in terms of Cashel.

See this speech in context