Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

Please do not heckle me on this because we have to be respectful when we debate these issues. The Government is making a number of changes in relation to Ukrainian accommodation and some of the issues highlighted by the Deputy because, in our view, we do need to make the model sustainable because we want to be able to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. The emergency approach that we have had to date does need to be replaced with a more sustainable approach and that is how we are going to do it. In saying that, I acknowledge the positive contribution that Ukrainian people are making. As the Deputy pointed out, many people are coming to Ireland and are working in this country.

Regarding vacant homes, we have already seen 20,000 homes come back into use via the vacant property grant, we are bringing in a new derelict property tax in the next budget and we have also expanded grants for shop conversions. The issue of vacancy and dereliction in the housing emergency is rightly identified by the Deputy as a key issue on which we want to make more progress.

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