Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I second the motion. I thank Senator Dooley and Fianna Fáil for using their Private Members' time for this motion. It is commendable. I will not repeat the various aspects of the motion. I believe in it. I do not think we need to rehearse all of this because are all well versed in it. I will use my time to share a few thoughts. I was prompted to think about this before I came here today.I thank the Cathaoirleach and the Ceann Comhairle who went to Ukraine and represented our Houses. It was very moving and it sent a very strong and united message from us to Ukraine.

Last week the President unveiled a War of Independence monument in Kenmare. The Cathaoirleach was there, as was the President's wife, Sabina. During his visit the President met a 16-year-old boy, Pavlo Marin, who fled Ukraine on 3 March this year with his mother. He is now in transition year. It was reported on RTÉ and in the printed media that he told the President that his life has changed since coming from Ukraine to Ireland, with new opportunities and new beginnings. He said that he does not know how long he will be here but maybe it will be forever. He was not concerned about being here forever because he felt safe and secure. He realises the potential future he could have. Many people are fleeing their homes in Ukraine and it is terribly sad but many who have come here have found a temporary home and I hope many will find a permanent home, by choice. The President went on to talk about people fleeing Ukraine and Ireland and about migration. He suggested that the Irish might know more about migration than most and said that it is important we meet the needs of those coming here.

While we can address all of the issues raised in the motion, it does not call for a lot in the end. I do not say that in a disrespectful way. The motion sets out the issues and what it calls for only amounts to two paragraphs. I would like to add, in conversation rather than by way of a formal amendment to the motion, that it is important that we are mindful of migrants and refugees, as the President said. Many of these people are not coming here by choice. We need to talk about integration, mainstreaming people into work and about every Government Department being conscious of the demands, needs and genuine expectations of people coming here. We are their hosts. We invited them in and welcomed them warmly. The Government was right to tap into the emotion of the nation, its citizens and its people. However, we must ensure that our guests are protected and are not excluded from our communities and our society, that they are not put in ghettos or in inappropriate long-term accommodation. They must be given full access to public health services. We must prioritise social inclusion and access to education. It is also important that they continue to use their native language and that we respect their culture. Many will want to go back but if they do not have their own language it will be so much more difficult for them to go back to their homeland. We also need to address health, employment and training opportunities and pathways to work because many of these people will choose to stay. I hope they will all be welcome. We need to address integration in communities and to promote intercultural awareness, acceptance and support. We need to combat racism or the potential for racism or any form of exclusion that these people may experience. Of course, we must also promote the great love of Irish sport, music and culture and assist them in embracing some of our traditions. That is what real integration is about and that is the real challenge for us as a people. How can we meet their needs?

The President told Pavlo Marin that he hoped he would be happy here and that Ireland would meet his needs and those of the others who have come here. I thank Fianna Fáil and all of those involved in preparing this motion. It is commendable, right and appropriate. Let us not lose sight of the simple things. Let us be advocates and leaders. Let us use our contacts in local government to support housing, integration and acceptance right across this country. That is the real challenge and the real test. In time, interest in all controversies, disasters and wars dilutes and people's emotional connection is not the same. It weakens over time. Let us show Ireland at its best. Let us show that we genuinely believe these people are here for support, that they want to be in our communities and that they will enrich our society by bringing greater diversity-----