Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State back to the House and thank him for brining forward these regulations, which we will not oppose. It is good to see him in good health. These proposals were discussed at the committee but I thank him for the explanation he has given of what is proposed. We fully accept there is an emergency in regard to people seeking international protection. It is not ideal to use commercial premises for accommodation but we recognise the urgency of the situation.

Recent events show that when the Government takes emergency measures, if communities are not included in the conversation, not provided with enough information or if people's questions are not answered, there is always the potential for an information vacuum to be created, which can be very dangerous. Communities need a package of supports, including additional school places, amenities and GP services, to facilitate integration. We must do right by host communities and, importantly, we must do things rights for the people coming to Ireland seeking international protection and refuge. We must ensure the process is inclusive and that there is dialogue and support. We need those three factors to underpin this work. We are not opposing the regulations and I thank the Minister of State for his explanation to the Seanad.