Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will comment on this morning's sitting. I thank the Cathaoirleach and the Ceann Comhairle for organising it. It was a very respectful meeting. We heard the President referring to what is going on in his own country and paid our respects. I was in an emergency hub in Limerick where 22 people have arrived in recent days, and more are arriving today and tomorrow. The services that are being provided in Dublin are very organised. When people arrive in Dublin Airport, there is a one-stop-shop where they get their personal public service, PPS, numbers and everything else. However, this is not as well organised down the country. This must be raised. The hub I mentioned is being run by St. Munchin's Community Centre and the centre knew where to go to access the services, how to make an appointment for people to get their PPS numbers and how to get their mobile telephones. In addition, the centre is starting English language classes on Thursday. There are many similar hubs in the Limerick area and there should be somebody in place to co-ordinate this fully. In the Radisson Hotel there are almost 200 Ukrainians and they have received many supports, but they wonder whether they will learn English and if somebody is going to look after them. The same support must be given in hubs around the country as is given in Dublin, and that is something I wish to raise.

Finally, there was a good news story in Limerick yesterday when the council took back control of King John's Castle. I thank Shannon Group and Shannon Heritage for minding it for the past 25 years, but it is now back in the rightful ownership of Limerick City and County Council. We look forward to welcoming the many tourists who will visit the castle. It is an historical building right in the heart of the city.