Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to address a matter of great importance, which is the financial support and accommodation provided to Ukrainian refugees in our nation. As we extend our hands in solidarity to those fleeing the horrors of war, it is imperative we do so with a clear, sustainable plan that ensures the welfare of both the refugees and our own citizens. I express my unwavering support for humanitarian aid. Ireland has a proud tradition of offering refuge to those in need and we must continue to uphold this legacy. We must also recognise, however, the challenges that come with huge influxes of new people into our system. Our resources are not infinite and the strain on housing, healthcare and social services is palpable. The accommodation recognition payment, ARP, seems to be a commendable initiative. It acknowledges the generosity of our citizens, who opened their homes to those in need. We must ask ourselves, however, whether we are truly addressing the root of the problem or whether we are just merely attempting to temporarily put a Band-Aid on a much larger wound.

Housing is a fundamental human right and yet we see both refugees and our own citizens living in cramped hotel rooms and makeshift accommodation. This is not the Ireland we aspire to be. We must ensure both citizens and those genuine refugees whom we are able to take in have access to decent and safe housing. This also means that we must balance the needs of citizens with those of refugees. As we are all aware, we are currently in the midst of one of the worst housing crises in Europe. According to figures supplied in the Dáil, yesterday and today, we have 37,000 Ukrainians staying in ARP-funded accommodation. However, statistics for February 2025 from the Ukraine Civil Society Forum state that a total of almost 80,000 Ukrainians remain in Ireland. This means that the status is unknown of more than 16,000 Ukrainian arrivals.

Ukrainians can enter the private rental market and are eligible to access rent allowance. I warned the Government previously that this would put too much pressure on the rental market for residents. If people are refugees, they should either be accommodated by the State or they should be placed under the roofs of private citizens who wish to host them. If these same arrivals also wish to work here and pay their own way for their needs, they should be able to do so, provided they go through the correct procedures and meet the criteria, like everyone else. It should absolutely not be the case that they are set loose on a housing market in crisis, with blank cheques backed up by social welfare systems which they have not paid in to. Unlimited generosity is not sustainable in the long term and will ultimately serve neither ourselves nor those in need. I urge the Government to review these figures and to make the necessary decisions that will balance the needs of citizens and Ukrainian refugees.

In addition to the previous speeches, I have highlighted the need for a comprehensive plan to manage the welfare of refugees and asylum seekers. We must address the legislative gaps that exist, such as those related to the national childcare scheme and the recognition of driving licences. These gaps create unnecessary barriers for refugees trying to integrate into our society and access essential services. I have also emphasised the importance of educational supports for Ukrainian students in Irish universities. We must ensure these students have access to the resources they need to succeed, including recognition of their qualifications and support for rural transport. Education is a key factor in helping refugees to rebuild their lives and to contribute to our society.

Let us remember that, by our actions today. we will shape the Ireland of tomorrow. We must balance compassion with practicality by ensuring our support for refugees is sustainable and effective. Together, we can build a society that is both welcoming and resilient and where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.