John McGahon (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I pay tribute to Mr. Stanislav Lapko, who many of us have seen on our national broadcaster over the past couple of days. Mr. Lapko is from Dundalk. He is a Ukrainian national who came to our town and set up a life there. Just two and half weeks ago, he was working in PayPal in Dundalk. He is now on the front lines fighting a Russian oppressor in Ukraine. He is there with a number of other Ukrainians who have left Ireland to go back in defence of their native country.

The greatest act of bravery and heroism is to run into a war zone to defend one's country. It would be so easy for people to sit in the safety of Ireland or western democracies where they have been for the past ten, 15 or 20 years. To go back to one's country in its greatest hour of need is an incredible feat of heroism and bravery. A number of Irish people have also gone to help in Ukraine, whether that is with first aid or medical supplies or to act as ambulance drivers, stretcher carriers and a whole range of stuff.

I pray this awful episode in our world and continental history will be over, as soon as possible. When those individuals come back to Ireland and the lives they have built in our country for the past ten or 15 years, they should be honoured by the President in some form of a State civic reception at the highest level in Áras an Úachtaráin, to say that we greatly appreciate them in our country and what they have done here and wish to recognise the bravery they have shown in the defence of their own country. We also want to recognise the bravery of Irish people who have gone over there to provide any sort of help. We should seriously consider doing that. When this whole godawful episode is over, we should put clear plans in process for that.

I will also acknowledge the work of the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, in respect of what she has done to provide absolute clarity. When Ukrainian refugees come to this island, they will have a PPS number; will be able to avail of social welfare supports; will be able to get housing assistance payment, HAP, and to rent, if that is the case, and will have access to all of the social welfare protections of which we are able to avail in this country.

The greatest testament of any country is to be able to welcome refugees from a war-torn country with love, compassion and open arms and make sure they are valued, safe and appreciated members of Irish society for however long they want to stay here. It may only be for a couple of months or years or they may want to stay here for even longer. They are very welcome here and it is very important. It is a testament to the Irish personality of hospitality and warmth. That has to be remembered during these dark days.