Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have just come from an excellent briefing in the audiovisual room. I appreciate those who are here did not have the opportunity to go to it. It was from the Ukraine Civil Society Forum and about 65 different organisations that together are responding to the Ukrainian crisis within our country. We must acknowledge that, since 24 February, when Putin’s war of aggression started, the Irish people and, indeed, the Irish Government have been wonderful in terms of their humanitarian response. Little did we think, or perhaps some did, that almost five months later we would still be seeing horrific scenes coming from Ukraine.

We all know families and communities that have opened their hearts and homes to the refugees who have come to this country. There are many in congregated settings and some who have been able to find accommodation. We are at a pinch point now. We recognise the war will not finish any time soon and there will be another accommodation crisis during the summer and in September when students are back.

The group made a number of recommendations. The key ones, which I would absolutely support and agree with, are, first, that there should be a national lead appointed to drive planning, co-ordination and implementation. That is very important. Another main recommendation, and this related to the White Paper on ending direct provision, was that a refugee agency would be established. Even taking those two key recommendations would be beneficial. We have only one more chance to try to get this right. It will be for the medium and long term. It will be important that message would go to the Taoiseach and the relevant Ministers.