Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank all of the Senators for their contributions.

As this is a miscellaneous provisions Bill, we are dealing with a number of important matters and one incredibly sensitive matter. I thank all Senators, in terms of the Stardust tragedy and our efforts, albeit belated, as a State to provide justice to those who died and provide justice to their family members, for their contributions. Many Members expressed the wider significant impact that the loss of so many young people had on Irish society at the time. I was not born at the time of this tragedy but I remember every year at St. Valentine's Day when I give my Mam her Valentine's card, she would thank me but always remember the people who died that day as well. The absolute scale of this tragedy probably had an impact on every family.We now have the opportunity to begin that process of real justice for the families, recognise the work that Senator Boylan has done on this matter and recognise her recognition of the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, in respect of legislation that secures those key elements of independence in terms of the selection of members of a jury but also the protection of their incomes, thereby recognising that this is will be a lengthy and detailed process.

As Senator Boylan is aware, I am not the lead Minister on this legislation. On her second question regarding the ability to challenge, my understanding is that a challenge, under section 59(2), can take place at any point during the process.

On inspection of the jury panel, I will ask the officials in the Department of Justice to clarify the matter. My understanding is that they are willing to engage with the Senator directly if other elements of clarity are sought. As she has said, I hope that we can get this legislation done and passed. The Senator has tabled amendments but I believe there is an opportunity to engage that point. I agree with her wider point she made about the need to reform the inquest system.

On the other elements addressed by this legislation and primarily the element concerning Ukraine, I thank Senators for recognising the work that the Government has done but particularly the work that communities have done to welcome Ukrainian women, children and men, and to integrate them into whatever happens in their community, be it sports or cultural organisations, schools, workplaces or local employment services. I know that in my own area, Empower has done amazing work. All these efforts have been recognised. Senator Ward spoke of the recent visit by Ukrainian MPs. They said to me that they had not seen a better example being given anywhere else in Europe, in terms of the welcome that Ireland has given, which is something of which we can be proud.

More than 40,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived and since day one, I have recognised that this has put and will continue to put pressure on services and systems, around the country. We all know that we are in the middle of a housing crisis, so it is difficult and is becoming more difficult to secure the type of accommodation that we would like to offer to our new arrivals as more people arrive. We have always been clear that we offer shelter and safety but we cannot always offer the choice of accommodation. Ukraine is a very urban country and many Ukrainians are used to living in urban areas. Consequently, when they are located in beautiful parts of rural Ireland I know that this can be a big change and we are not always able to offer people a choice in respect of where they live.

Senator Seery Kearney referred to the very difficult issue arising when we have had to move children out of schools, about which I have a real concern as I am the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. However, I cannot say that such movements will not happen again, particularly as we have a significant number of people living in student accommodation and some of them will have to move out. We will endeavour to notify people more quickly but I cannot give an absolute guarantee that people will not have to change schools.

I can confirm for Senator Wall that from the latter half of this month, people will be able to apply for the €400 payment through the Department of Social Protection.

In terms of the haulage payment, my understanding is that 3,000 out of 3,800 hauliers have applied for the payment. That is a very significant number and about €15,000 has been paid out so far.

Rent supplement can be availed of by Ukrainians. As it is a social welfare payment, they are entitled to apply for it. I see the Senator is shaking her head. I confirm that they are entitled to rent supplement as a social protection payment. The housing assistance payment, HAP, is a separate payment but Ukrainians are entitled to claim rent supplement.

I accept what has been said about transport issues. The Department of Transport and the National Transport Authority took the initiative early on to link in areas where there were not good public transport links near an hotel or residence with large numbers of Ukrainians. It might be worthwhile for the Senator to flag this issue with the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and the National Transport Authority, and I am happy to do so as well, to see if the scheme can be broadened a little.

I take the point that was made about recognising qualifications. I am happy to speak to the relevant Minister, perhaps to the Minister, Deputy Harris, and to the Tánaiste, on what their Departments can do to facilitate that.