Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas, a Leas-Chathaoirligh. County Clare is one of the counties that has welcomed a significant number of Ukrainian refugees in the past number of days. Almost 1,000 refugees from Ukraine are now living among us in north and west Clare. Of those, 500 are in the town of Lisdoonvarna and almost another 200 are in the village of Ballyvaughan, just up the road. That brings challenges with it but challenges we as a nation, a county and an area are certainly very capable of stepping up to the plate to meet.

I appeal to all State agencies to respond, please, in a timely manner and to be quick in their decision-making, bearing in mind the background from which the Ukrainian people have come. Teachers are needed for the schools as urgently as possible. We need to be providing a significant number of English classes. My understanding at the moment is that it is being proposed to have two English classes a week. There should, however, be at least two English classes a day.

The one thing I have experienced from my engagement with the people from Ukraine is that they are very diverse but very much want to work and contribute to our society. These are people who were living ordinary lives a number of weeks ago and now find themselves in this terrible situation. My appeal today, and I am aware that we are having statements on the humanitarian aid programme tomorrow, is that every day matters. I want each Minister to appoint liaison people within their Departments who will respond to queries from people like ourselves and the many NGOs who are out there working tremendously hard to create and ensure that the céad míle fáilte that we want to see extended to the Ukrainian people who are seeking refuge here with us is acted upon so that they feel welcome. Their various and unique requirements should be met where at all possible.