Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Only Deputy Murphy could come into the House and seek to blame the Government for people burning down buildings. That was an outrageous contribution. He has actually made it more difficult for the Garda and our criminal justice system to secure successful prosecutions of people who are conducting criminal acts. He has not done anyone any service with the contribution he just made in that regard. We ultimately condemn any criminal act. Where properties are being deliberately set on fire, it is arson. It is a criminal act and the Garda is investigating.

The Deputy acknowledged that arrests have been made today in one particular case. The best thing we can do is to reaffirm our support for the work of An Garda Síochána and that we will give it the necessary resources and whatever support it needs to do its work. Let us be honest, these are difficult crimes to solve but the Garda will do everything it possibly can to solve them, send files to the DPP and ultimately achieve convictions. It is important we stand together and provide our support. These are heinous crimes that could not just end up damaging or destroying property but could end up taking human life. That is the real risk we are very concerned about and I know the Deputy is concerned about.

As a Government and with the support of the people, we have responded as comprehensively as we can to a wave of migration we have had to respond to, primarily because of the war in Ukraine. About 100,000 people from Ukraine have come to Ireland over the past two years because of Putin's invasion of that country. Our country has responded generously, as befits the people we are and which shows the generosity of our nation. About 75,000 of these arrivals are currently being accommodated in State-provided accommodation. In addition, last year we had in excess of 13,000 applications for international protection here in Ireland, which was an increase of about 177% on the 2019 level, the most comparable year recently. Nearly 27,000 people are being accommodated the IPAS system compared with just over 19,000 at this time last year. There is pressure on the system and we acknowledge that. Our population is growing. People are coming here, not just seeking international protection or seeking shelter from the war in Ukraine but seeking to avail of employment opportunities in Ireland and indeed the quality of life here.

The Government is working together to respond to what is a very significant challenge. The Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, and his team have done a remarkable job in the teeth of the most difficult migration challenge we have faced, coming at a time when there has been a shortage of accommodation. However, we are working together and we will continue to support the Minister, IPAS and all of those involved in the State's response, which has been generous. We will continue to support people who come legally to Ireland within the rules-based system we have.

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