Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are on the cusp of St. Patrick's week. The latter gives us, as a nation, an opportunity to have the focus of the world on us and on our diaspora. Ours is a history of emigration, in some cases forced, and of having to leave our homeland in Ireland to travel to Sydney Harbour, Ellis Island or the UK.

Senator Dooley spoke very eloquently. We stand with the people of Ukraine today and we associate with their: fear; trauma; isolation; the language barrier; the lack of money; and the lack of a secure future. It behoves all of us in the international community, not just to stand in solidarity, but for all governments of Europe to work to ensure this war comes to an end. I had the pleasure of being in Kyiv three years ago to carry out election monitoring. I was struck by the rush to vote on behalf of ordinary men and women who cherished their democracy and who voted for change on that occasion but who were proud of their sovereignty. I ask our Ministers and those who travel around the world next week to ensure that the Irish céad míle fáilte, the hundred thousand welcomes are extended and that it is made clear that we are welcoming our Ukrainian friends to this country. I know the Government has opened a portal today with the Irish Red Cross in order to register Ukrainian refugees. It is important that all of us, collectively and collaboratively, stand with the people of Ukraine and ensure that every effort is made to make our Ukrainian friends welcome here.

I commend the Deputy Leader on the motion he has tabled for the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party meeting tomorrow to the effect that we would have a debate in this House on fuel and the cost of same before we rise for the St. Patrick’s Day break. It is important that we have a real and honest debate about the rise of the price of fuel and what this Government can do. I hope that debate can be held on Thursday before we leave for the St. Patrick’s Day break.