Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is so important that we are discussing this issue today. It is really hard to believe that our Ukrainian friends are facing such atrocities and horrors and are the victims of Putin's Hitler-style murder and destruction. I congratulate the Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, on the work they and the Department are doing in respect of our response and thank him for the clear update in his speech. I also congratulate the Government on its leadership. The way this Government has acted alongside our European partners and the international community has been a matter of pride and we must remain resolute in our solidarity with and support for Ukraine. We must stand against Putin and his war. It is time for Europe and western democracies to stand tall in condemning war crimes and demand that Russia ceases all hostilities immediately and withdraws from Ukraine unconditionally.

I welcome all Ukrainians who have landed in this country. I know it is so tough for them. I cannot even comprehend the pain and worry felt by them. It is beyond anything I can imagine. It highlights the importance of us providing that safe haven with a welcome, smile and friendship that are so integral to our humanitarian response.

We all know it is not going to be simple. It will be very difficult and will be a challenge. Certain things will not be perfect. Services in this country will be put under pressure and I ask everyone in this House and outside to have an open mind, work together and be understanding as this country works to provide refuge for thousands of very welcome people. I thank all the Irish people for their phenomenal response to and support for the Ukrainian people. I am proud of this country and Government, which has committed to delivering that multifaceted humanitarian response outlined by the Minister. I am fully behind us working alongside our European partners. The people of Ukraine are going through something I never imagined we would ever see. It highlights how vulnerable our world is, how vulnerable our democracy is and how vulnerable our populations are to manipulation by parties and organisations who are anti-State mules, who want to destroy and who obstruct continuously. We must always stand against those who support dictators, make excuses for authoritarian regimes, do not abide by the rule of law, do not recognise democratically elected leaders and work to put them down. To hell with them all. This is a time for western democracies to stand against despots and authoritarian regimes and if we do not do this now, we will see a repeat of what is happening in Ukraine.