Mark Wall (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister. I acknowledge, as colleagues have, the Government's continued efforts to deal with the unjustified war in Ukraine and how this country has stood up and stood out in supporting the displaced people of that democratic country who have ended up in this country in their thousands, seeking our support. As colleagues have said, the Government and communities need to be acknowledged for the tremendous welcome given to the Ukrainian community that has sought shelter on our shores. This legislation supports this country's efforts to provide shelter, food and, most importantly, dignity to those who have had to leave their homeland and, in many cases, their loved ones behind. Like many other public representatives, my secretary and I have dealt with and supported many families, in south Kildare in our case. I am aware of many families who have opened their doors to those from this stricken country. I am sure the €400 per month that this legislation provides for will be welcomed by those families but it is, of course, not the primary reason for which they open their doors. Will the Minister note when he expects the €400 to be available to those families?

We have come across a number of issues with the families which we continue to deal with in the office. There seems to be a blockage with rent allowance, particularly for those who have come from Ukraine and who are thankfully now working. That should be sorted out quickly. I recently came across two families who are having serious problems with that. The other issue, which I have raised before in this House, is transport. It is a significant issue for a number of Ukrainian families, particularly those who are not living in urban areas. The Minister will be aware that a large number of families recently came to live in Bert House just outside the town of Athy. My colleague, Councillor Aoife Breslin, has liaised with them through my office. They are welcome to the town. One of the biggest issues they are facing is transport and getting in and out of the town. Bert House is located three miles from the town. We continue to see Ukrainians walking on the side of the road, which is not ideal for them. Local Link should be able to provide for them. I ask the Minister to address that. Many other issues for families who have come to live there seem to have been taken care of but transport remains a problem. Will the Minister look into it?

I refer to Parts 6 and 7 of the Bill. Part 6 of the Bill will give licensed haulage emergency support scheme a legislative footing. As others have asked, can the Minister confirm the number of hauliers who have taken up the offer of €100 that was mentioned? The Government made a plea in the last two weeks. Many hauliers had not availed of it at that stage. As my colleague, Senator Gallagher, also mentioned, a number of hauliers who did not qualify for the scheme have contacted me. Are we to facilitate those hauliers? They provide a vital service for the running of the economy. Unfortunately, the war has not gone away. Costs are still rising. Now that this scheme has ended, is another scheme in the pipeline to support this industry, which is vital for the continued running of the economy?

I support the Government on Part 7, which will give the Minister for Transport the power to issue an order that will allow people admitted to the State under a temporary protection directive, as per section 60 of the International Protection Act, to drive using their national driving licence. That does not just apply to Ukrainians. I have attended a number of meetings with Ukrainians over the last weeks and months since they came to the country. This is one of the biggest issues to be raised. It is welcome. It gives them independence and may address some transport issues that I raised in the last couple of minutes.

I will address the dreadful events of St. Valentine's night in Dublin in 1981. It must have been every parent's worst nightmare to know that loved ones went out that night to enjoy themselves, only for 48 young people never to come home. It is unthinkable and heart-breaking. That pain is still real for many families. It is an unacceptable failure for this State and for every person in it that we still do not know the truth of what happened on that fateful night. The families are still seeking the truth, answers and justice for their loved ones. This is important legislation and it seems that the Minister has listened to the continued calls of families, their legal representatives and local representatives. My colleague, Deputy Ó Ríordáin, has welcomed this legislation and has sought continuing interaction with the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, the Minister for Justice, and their Departments and other local representatives, in order to include them as we work through this legislation. I hope the Minister agrees with that. I welcome such discussions, but, most importantly, we must finally get the answers. The families deserve and the country needs the truth for every one of those 48 young people who never came home. I look forward to discussing this Bill further later in the week.