Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Up to now, I have not spoken on the Ukrainian war but I do so today. Over the past week, approximately 1 million people have crossed the borders into safe jurisdictions. These 1 million people will be looking to resettle in Europe. Yesterday, there was a call by the Taoiseach and the Minister, Deputy Coveney, for volunteers to come forward to see how we could help and house the people that are going to come to our country. In that regard, figures of 20,000, 25,000, 30,000 or 40,000 have been mentioned.

As leaders, we can only do so much. There are other leaders in our communities, including church and faith leaders. My call is to them. We have almost 3,000 parishes in this country. How lovely would it be for all of those parishes to take on board a family to integrate them into society, get them jobs and housing. No better vehicle to do that than the churches. Each church in this country has a responsibility, be that the Muslim, Jewish or any other faith. My call today is to the church leaders of Ireland to do what they can and for them to step up and show what Christianity and faith is really about.