Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I ask that we as a House join in calling all airlines to keep their prices low or free for those people fleeing Ukraine on humanitarian grounds. We accept that flights from Ukraine have been suspended but there is a real need for airlines - not just Ryanair and Aer Lingus - but all airlines to look at keeping the price of flights for the Ukrainian people fleeing neighbouring countries as low as possible or even free so as to facilitate ease of travel for those who need it most.

Thousands of Ukrainians are fleeing across the border to many neighbouring eastern European countries, including Poland, Moldova, Romania and Hungary. Many of these people will travel on to Dublin and other parts of Europe for safety reasons to meet family and friends. Yesterday on "Lunchtime Live" we heard the story of a Ukrainian woman charged €500 for three one-way tickets from Warsaw to Dublin. That is immoral in the context of what is happening in Ukraine. This woman spoke about the barrier put in front of her and family when it came to travelling. I am asking airlines, and particularly Ryanair and Aer Lingus, to ensure their fees and fares are kept at a minimum and are fixed or free for those Ukrainians fleeing the crisis from eastern Europe into Ireland. I am asking that we make that request as a House today because this is very urgent.

My second request is to the Minister for Transport and the Government that Cork Airport be designated as a reception hub for refugees fleeing Ukraine from Poland, Moldova and Hungary. We need dedicated airlifts in co-operation with carriers so work can commence to construct reception centres with medical, humanitarian, logistical and social welfare services for the people fleeing Ukraine. I hope we can join together as a House on that today.