Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senator again for bringing forward the important issue. I thank her for her comments in relation to it. I reiterate that Ireland has responded to the Ukrainian crisis by welcoming more than 110,000 Ukrainians who were forced to leave their homeland in the most difficult of circumstances and have sought sanctuary in Ireland. A significant proportion of them are unaccompanied minors who fled the war and have been taken into care or provided accommodation by Tusla. I acknowledge the extraordinary efforts and achievements by the State in general and by Tusla in particular in accommodating those 777 children who have had to flee Ukraine. Many of the children and young people who fled Ukraine have since turned 18 and have begun the process of integrating into Irish society. They are contributing to our culture and our local economies. I have no doubt that in time they will play a crucial role in rebuilding their country when it is safe for them to do so. Lastly, the Minister would like to acknowledge the invaluable role that care workers, including foster carers and aftercare workers, play in the lives of our children in care and care leavers. The support these workers provide to children and young people is critically important in providing the best platform for their transition from care into adult life.