Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I compliment you, a Chathaoirligh, and the Ceann Comhairle on what you organised today and off camera and in a private room downstairs, where you entertained the ambassador and some refugees. Your empathy with people was remarkable, a Chathaoirligh, and I compliment you personally on that. It was wonderful to see.

There have been many fine words about the situation in Ukraine and we have provided some support to the people there. I must say that I agree with my colleague, Deputy Berry. We need to provide what weapons we have to allow them to defend themselves. We have to come to terms with that, and fairly soon.

I cannot let today pass without talking about the United Nations Security Council. We lauded the winning of the seat, which I totally disagree with anyway. The United Nations Security Council is sitting on its hands while, as we were told this morning, 10 million people have been forced to leave their homes in Ukraine. If the United Nations Security Council cannot provide peace and cannot bring about peace enforcement in Ukraine, it is time to scrap that useless waffle shop. We have seen wars all over the world and all we hear are fine words on what needs to be done, but nothing is ever done. We see it on our television screens every day. The United Nations Security Council is a waste of time as long as the permanent members have a veto.

Today, my colleague, Senator Malcolm Byrne, is bringing forward a Bill regarding the restriction of names with respect to the Defence Forces. This is a test for all democrats in this House. The use of the term Óglaigh na hÉireann belongs to only one organisation in this country and I expect to see 100% cross-party support for that. I compliment the Senator on bringing that Bill forward.

Finally, I agree with what Senator Maria Byrne just said. I have had telephone calls from around the country regarding people who have arrived here and, for example, only got a three-month visa. One woman is absolutely petrified she will be gone in three months. The Senator is 100% correct and I thank her for raising it.