Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Leader for an update on the following matter. We listened to Ms Nicola Sturgeon speak about Ireland's response to the refugee crisis. This is not the time to have a wider debate, but our response has been very disappointing. A number of figures and promises were reneged on. Many refugees in Europe are unaccompanied children and the refugee crisis is a major issue. The words of Ms Sturgeon earlier were very poignant. She may have been slightly misled or misguided, or misunderstands the situation. Our response to the refugee crisis has not been what it was meant to be. It is extremely disappointing. When we reflect on the words of Ms Sturgeon and as we approach Christmas time and talk about people who are desolate, isolated, vulnerable and left behind, we should realise that we need to honour the commitments and promises we make.

I drafted some words the other day in order to pursue this matter in another forum this week, and I still intend to do so next Friday. I will be highly critical of the Government. I have some qualitative research on the commitments that have been given.

The people in the various reception centres around the country have been in the system for years and we have reneged on promises in that regard.It is very disappointing and we can only hang our heads in shame. We have not done what we set out to do. We have not fulfilled our promises. It is a humanitarian crisis and we have a short period of time in which we can turn things around. I would like the Minister to make an absolute commitment and deliver the commitments she has put on record on the issue.