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

The Deputy has referred to both Ukraine and international protection. Regarding Ukrainians, the existing responsibilities of accommodation owners in terms of Garda vetting and child safeguarding policies apply. In the context of international protection and, in particular, the report of the ombudsman, I have clearly set out the child safeguarding measures that apply. Undoubtedly, the accommodation challenges - one of the matters on which the Ombudsman's report focuses - place give rise to real issues when it comes to our ability to give children the very best start in life. That is why my Department has taken steps, in conjunction with Tusla, to put in place family support workers in Tusla areas around the country to support international protection. We provided additional funding to children and young people's services committees, CYPSCs, to undertake specific activities in international protection for the benefit of children and young people.

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