We want to acknowledge the support of all of the public representatives and agencies who have come together to respond to this urgent task
Meeting 29 - 3- 22 Athy College
The main issues which were discussed were:
Accommodation: This is a difficult issue due to the overall shortage of rental accommodation, however if transport issues were sorted we could widen the area outside the urban limits.
Transport: In order to access schools and employment the transport issue poses a challenge. Work has begun with Local link and the possibilities of school parents and volunteers might make education and employment less difficult. The suggestion of the availability of bicycles might solve short run.
Employment: The need to look at the skill set/qualifications of the incoming visitors needs to be matched with available skills shortages. Collectively we need to work on this database. Also the recognition of qualifications some verifications may be difficult with parent bodies under siege in Ukraine.
Education: The need for assistance with English classes for various levels. It was mentioned that Athy College had requested that Ukranian be added to the Leaving Cert non curricular exams. Politicians were asked to follow up on this as several eastern European languages are already included. It was noted that Dept of Ed were providing online training on welcoming students into our schools. The Maynooth University Sanctuary Scholarship was also referenced
The overall need to continue meeting and to include more community groups to assist in making Athy a Ukraine friendly community.
Having heard many of the issues public representatives agreed to go away and source further information.
I agreed to inform/remind all of the public reps on the main issues and hope to continue doing so. I am aware that not every person is available to attend all meetings but we need to keep everyone on board to get urgent action.
The main issues which were discussed were:
Accommodation: This is a difficult issue due to the overall shortage of rental accommodation, however if transport issues were sorted we could widen the area outside the urban limits.
Transport: In order to access schools and employment the transport issue poses a challenge. Work has begun with Local link and the possibilities of school parents and volunteers might make education and employment less difficult. The suggestion of the availability of bicycles might solve short run.
Employment: The need to look at the skill set/qualifications of the incoming visitors needs to be matched with available skills shortages. Collectively we need to work on this database. Also the recognition of qualifications some verifications may be difficult with parent bodies under siege in Ukraine.
Education: The need for assistance with English classes for various levels. It was mentioned that Athy College had requested that Ukranian be added to the Leaving Cert non curricular exams. Politicians were asked to follow up on this as several eastern European languages are already included. It was noted that Dept of Ed were providing online training on welcoming students into our schools. The Maynooth University Sanctuary Scholarship was also referenced
The overall need to continue meeting and to include more community groups to assist in making Athy a Ukraine friendly community.
Having heard many of the issues public representatives agreed to go away and source further information.
I agreed to inform/remind all of the public reps on the main issues and hope to continue doing so. I am aware that not every person is available to attend all meetings but we need to keep everyone on board to get urgent action.
30 -3-22
Senator Mark Wall speaking in Seanad Eireann
14h ·
Motion in support of the people of Ukraine :
Yesterday evening in the Seanad, I got the chance to speak in support of the people of Ukraine and ask Government to update us on some of the questions that I and colleagues are asked by those who have fled their home country and are here with us now. I got to thank Athy College and their Principal Richard Daly for holding an important meeting in the college on assisting those coming to Athy.
Have a read under or a listen to some of the contribution by video. As always if you have a question, please get in contact ..
I stand here today in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. What is happening in their country is barbaric, wrong and inhumane. The unjustifiable invasion of a sovereign country by a neighbour must be called out and the aggressor, in this case President Putin, must be isolated and targeted economically within the international community. I also want to support the calls from others and, in particular, my party leader, Deputy Bacik, for the expulsion of the Russian ambassador. As Deputy Bacik said yesterday, the time for this has come when we see the horrors being rained down on the people of Mariupol and elsewhere in Ukraine. It is now incumbent on us to do this.
There has been a lot of talk over the past number of weeks about the number of refugees that Ireland will take in from Ukraine. Whatever the final number, what is now most important is that we do our very best for those who, for whatever reason, have chosen our country as a temporary home having fled the horrors of war. Like many in the House, through my office and at meetings I have met and tried to assist a number of Ukrainian families who are in Ireland. The one constant from all of these meetings is the need for answers. There should be a one-stop shop, where we, as public representatives, could get answers to their questions, some of which I will pose to the Minister of State later. It would also allow those most in need to concentrate on enjoying, as has been said during the debate, the welcome from the people of this country as much as they can. I am sure that welcome will continue to be provided, despite the language barrier that means some refugees do not know where to go at this time.
As I said in a public meeting yesterday, there is a time to show what we do best in Irish politics, that is, working together on a cross-party basis to help those who need it most. This is a time for the Government and Opposition to work together, leaving all of the footballs on the other pitch. I want to put on the record and acknowledge the considerable response of the Government to date.
However, in working together each Department must ensure that it provides the answers that will allow all of us to be one-stop shops. That information needs to flow to all of us so that we can provide the answers that so many unfortunate citizens of Ukraine need at this time. We can all appreciate and accept that this is an evolving situation that is changing almost day by day and that the Government response is a developing one, but a one-stop shop is needed and may require one Department and Minister to take overall control of the response of our Government and country.
One of the public meetings I referred to was organised in Athy College, which the Minister of State knows very well. A number of local representatives met the Ukrainian community in Athy and a large number of refugees who have come to the town. I want to thank the principal of the college, Richard Daly, for arranging the meeting. The questions at the meeting were similar to those I have received in my clinic and have been mentioned by many people during this debate, that is, accommodation and where people can go. There were questions about rent allowance. A community welfare officer with whom I have been in contact is still waiting for answers from the rent allowance section. Many of us are seeking clarification on rent allowance.
The second issue highlighted at the meeting was work. As mentioned by colleagues, a lot of refugees want to work and are needed in this country. Doctors and dentists were mentioned at this meeting, and we know there is a shortage of both in all of our communities.
Some of them have gone to the immigration service, which is telling them it still does not know what stamp they require, whether it is a stamp 4 or whether they need a stamp to work at all. That is the clarity that so many of us are looking for.
Last night, and over the past couple of days, there was much talk about transport. Many of these families are staying in rural locations in south Kildare, which the Minister of State and other colleagues will be familiar with. Local Link may have an opportunity to play a part in this. That is something, again, that was asked last night. How will these people get their young children to school and themselves to work, should that opportunity arise? Those are some of the questions that were asked last night.
Education was another serious issue asked about last night. I am currently dealing with three university students who are looking to continue their education. I have contacted the Minister of State’s colleague, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, about this. We are looking for clarity in that regard. Two of the three young people are in their final year and they would like to continue that education here if at all possible.
Driving licences have been mentioned. There was a query last night about driving licences and how Ukrainian driving licences would work in Ireland. There has been talk about insurance over the last period of time and how Irish insurance companies will deal with that.
Simple questions about medical cards were asked last night. My office has been asked how medical cards will work, as I am sure the Minister of State's office has been. We are hearing from the great work done to the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Health that every avenue will be open to the refugees who come here. However, what form they should they fill in for a medical card and how they should do so is a question that came up last night and has come up at my clinics and in office over the past couple of weeks. That is the clarity many are looking for, that is, that one-stop shop.
I congratulate my Fine Gael colleagues on this important motion. I ask Government to respond to those numerous questions, if at all possible.
Senator Mark Wall speaking in Seanad Eireann
14h ·
Motion in support of the people of Ukraine :
Yesterday evening in the Seanad, I got the chance to speak in support of the people of Ukraine and ask Government to update us on some of the questions that I and colleagues are asked by those who have fled their home country and are here with us now. I got to thank Athy College and their Principal Richard Daly for holding an important meeting in the college on assisting those coming to Athy.
Have a read under or a listen to some of the contribution by video. As always if you have a question, please get in contact ..
I stand here today in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. What is happening in their country is barbaric, wrong and inhumane. The unjustifiable invasion of a sovereign country by a neighbour must be called out and the aggressor, in this case President Putin, must be isolated and targeted economically within the international community. I also want to support the calls from others and, in particular, my party leader, Deputy Bacik, for the expulsion of the Russian ambassador. As Deputy Bacik said yesterday, the time for this has come when we see the horrors being rained down on the people of Mariupol and elsewhere in Ukraine. It is now incumbent on us to do this.
There has been a lot of talk over the past number of weeks about the number of refugees that Ireland will take in from Ukraine. Whatever the final number, what is now most important is that we do our very best for those who, for whatever reason, have chosen our country as a temporary home having fled the horrors of war. Like many in the House, through my office and at meetings I have met and tried to assist a number of Ukrainian families who are in Ireland. The one constant from all of these meetings is the need for answers. There should be a one-stop shop, where we, as public representatives, could get answers to their questions, some of which I will pose to the Minister of State later. It would also allow those most in need to concentrate on enjoying, as has been said during the debate, the welcome from the people of this country as much as they can. I am sure that welcome will continue to be provided, despite the language barrier that means some refugees do not know where to go at this time.
As I said in a public meeting yesterday, there is a time to show what we do best in Irish politics, that is, working together on a cross-party basis to help those who need it most. This is a time for the Government and Opposition to work together, leaving all of the footballs on the other pitch. I want to put on the record and acknowledge the considerable response of the Government to date.
However, in working together each Department must ensure that it provides the answers that will allow all of us to be one-stop shops. That information needs to flow to all of us so that we can provide the answers that so many unfortunate citizens of Ukraine need at this time. We can all appreciate and accept that this is an evolving situation that is changing almost day by day and that the Government response is a developing one, but a one-stop shop is needed and may require one Department and Minister to take overall control of the response of our Government and country.
One of the public meetings I referred to was organised in Athy College, which the Minister of State knows very well. A number of local representatives met the Ukrainian community in Athy and a large number of refugees who have come to the town. I want to thank the principal of the college, Richard Daly, for arranging the meeting. The questions at the meeting were similar to those I have received in my clinic and have been mentioned by many people during this debate, that is, accommodation and where people can go. There were questions about rent allowance. A community welfare officer with whom I have been in contact is still waiting for answers from the rent allowance section. Many of us are seeking clarification on rent allowance.
The second issue highlighted at the meeting was work. As mentioned by colleagues, a lot of refugees want to work and are needed in this country. Doctors and dentists were mentioned at this meeting, and we know there is a shortage of both in all of our communities.
Some of them have gone to the immigration service, which is telling them it still does not know what stamp they require, whether it is a stamp 4 or whether they need a stamp to work at all. That is the clarity that so many of us are looking for.
Last night, and over the past couple of days, there was much talk about transport. Many of these families are staying in rural locations in south Kildare, which the Minister of State and other colleagues will be familiar with. Local Link may have an opportunity to play a part in this. That is something, again, that was asked last night. How will these people get their young children to school and themselves to work, should that opportunity arise? Those are some of the questions that were asked last night.
Education was another serious issue asked about last night. I am currently dealing with three university students who are looking to continue their education. I have contacted the Minister of State’s colleague, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, about this. We are looking for clarity in that regard. Two of the three young people are in their final year and they would like to continue that education here if at all possible.
Driving licences have been mentioned. There was a query last night about driving licences and how Ukrainian driving licences would work in Ireland. There has been talk about insurance over the last period of time and how Irish insurance companies will deal with that.
Simple questions about medical cards were asked last night. My office has been asked how medical cards will work, as I am sure the Minister of State's office has been. We are hearing from the great work done to the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Health that every avenue will be open to the refugees who come here. However, what form they should they fill in for a medical card and how they should do so is a question that came up last night and has come up at my clinics and in office over the past couple of weeks. That is the clarity many are looking for, that is, that one-stop shop.
I congratulate my Fine Gael colleagues on this important motion. I ask Government to respond to those numerous questions, if at all possible.
Speaking in Seanad Eireann Min Martin Heydon 30 - 3- 22
It is a great honour for me to be in the Seanad and to have the opportunity to contribute to this debate. I thank my colleagues in Fine Gael, in particular Senators Seery Kearney and Dolan, for the work and effort that went into this motion. I also acknowledge the contributions from all parties and none across the House. The contributions I have listened to over the past number of hours have clearly demonstrated that the views of this House are very much representative of the reaction of the Irish people. That has been evident in the specific and detailed questions asked and the individual points raised on what is impacting the lives of the Ukrainian people. This tells me that many Members of this House are working hard to ensure a smooth transition for the people who are with us now.
We are all horrified at the outrageous attack on the people of Ukraine. I will now outline the Government's response and address some of the key points raised by Senators.
In response to some of the points that were raised, Senator Higgins highlighted the risk of referencing only Ukrainian women and children and having a risk of stigma around male refugees. I am acutely aware that we have some male refugees here who are lone parents and that some of their children have disabilities. It is a point well made. We have to be very careful that we do not get a certain image in our head. There are many different victims and the impact of this conflict has very different consequences for so many people. Our role in the Government and the role of the Irish people is to support everyone as far as we can in all those elements.
In response to Senator Malcolm Byrne, the Government stands fully behind Ukraine's application for EU membership. We all look forward to President Zelenskiy's address to both Houses of the Oireachtas next week. Senator Carrigy commented on support for Irish farms and food producers impacted by the conflict. It is important to put on record that we do not have a food security or feed security crisis here. The Government wants to support our food production sector and farmers to ensure that we do not have one into the future either. We are acutely aware of the impact of the cost of living on Irish people, which has been made worse as a result of this conflict. That has impacted on our businesses and farmers. That is why we have targeted supports from the Government for our tillage sector and our pig farmers who are really struggling at present. Discussions continue about further potential interventions to support that sector through very difficult times.
Since the outbreak of the war and the arrival in Ireland of the first Ukrainians fleeing it, the scale of the response to the crisis has been unprecedented. Ireland has received 15,294 arrivals from Ukraine as of 29 March. We have established dedicated teams at our airports and ports that meet new arrivals from Ukraine with teams from several Departments including the Departments of Social Protection, Health, Justice and Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Officials from these Departments are ensuring that every person arriving is met and given support as soon as possible.
The International Protection Accommodation Service, IPAS, of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has temporarily taken responsibility for providing accommodation to Ukrainian refugees. Officials are continuously working to source further accommodation and supports for Ukrainian arrivals to Ireland through hotel accommodation and various other accommodation options and solutions. The Irish Red Cross, the Defence Forces and estate agents and valuers have started to evaluate pledges placed through the national pledge mechanism operated by the Irish Red Cross, and to inspect the properties with a view to making them available quickly to refugees.
It is a priority for the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to ensure the system of recognition of the skills and qualifications of Ukrainians is expedited to support those Ukrainians who want to access the workplace. This will enable Ukrainian people coming to Ireland to work and use their skills within the Irish economy. The Minister, Deputy Harris, and his Department are working intensively with the European Commission to ensure that the qualification recognition process aligns across the EU.
For those Ukrainians arriving in Ireland seeking to continue or start their education, the Department is determined to ensure the provision of these services and their accessibility. We are working to ensure the information we provide is in a language which is easily understood by those we are working to assist. On supports for accessing further education, such as the SUSI grant, the Department is examining options to ensure incoming Ukrainian students would be eligible for student supports. Statutory and administrative options are being considered, and legal advice has been sought as to what actions can be taken in order for incoming Ukrainians to be eligible for some assistance. The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science will be bringing forward proposals shortly.
The 16 education and training boards offer English-language skills courses for adults. When the temporary directive was activated, spare capacity was identified in the system to meet the needs of Ukrainian people coming to Ireland. Ukrainians wishing to learn English or improve their English can contact their local ETB for an assessment of their English language competency across the four core skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
The Government is working to ensure that local capacity, resources and knowledge are brought to bear on the humanitarian response to people fleeing Ukraine and seeking protection in Ireland. Ireland has a well-developed volunteer infrastructure in place and the capacity, willingness and expertise exist at local level to co-ordinate responses, signpost services, and link voluntary and statutory efforts. The response to Covid-19 has shown us the positive impact we can have by working together at local and national level. Massive efforts were made by volunteers during the pandemic, and dedicated volunteers across the country are already working again to help people from Ukraine arriving in Ireland.
As the new arrivals begin to settle in, each local authority is establishing a community response forum to provide a focal point for the community response in their area. The community response fora will enable all those involved to work together under the stewardship of the local authority. This will ensure effective co-ordination in providing supports to the new Ukrainian communities. The community volunteers pilot programme is also providing a way for local communities to offer support to those in need. The programme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development, co-ordinated by Volunteer Ireland and volunteer centres, and supported by the local authority in each area. The programme is initially running in counties Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Louth, Meath and Wicklow, and roll-out is due this year in ten further counties.
The Department of Health and the HSE have put in place a streamlined medical card application process for Ukrainian refugees. A lag in applications is apparent and was expected as refugees are settling into their accommodation. Senator Wall raised specific points about that application process. I can confirm that as of 28 March, medical cards had been issued to 605 Ukrainians with 224 applications pending. The medical card section on the HSE website is replicated in Russian and Ukrainian. Ukrainian and Russian versions of the medical card form are also available.
The HSE in consultation with the Irish Medical Organisation has prepared a range of bespoke options for the provision of general practitioner services to those in IPAS accommodation. The model for each site varies depending on numbers and geographical distribution, however all have access to GP out-of-hours services.
Operational processes for urgent referrals or medical evacuees are in place as Ireland is supporting emergency patient care through medical evacuation where we can. I am pleased to confirm that with assistance from a number of Departments, the HSE and the Air Corps, two paediatric patients were transported from Poland for treatment at Irish hospitals. Although our medical evacuation capacity is limited, we will continue to review patient cases and support this co-ordinated EU effort where we can.
The Irish health system is also providing medical humanitarian assistance. Over the past month, Ireland has been providing donations of medical supplies and equipment to Ukraine in response to the requests for assistance from the Ukrainian authorities and neighbouring countries. Further instalments of this donation are expected to be dispatched later this week and once complete, the total consignment of medical equipment will include over 4,500 items of equipment from hospitals and other sources.
The Department of Education continues to work intensively to make education available to Ukrainian children. This includes supporting the well-being and social and emotional needs of these young people. The Department is already providing supports to schools and is advancing further arrangements to address the short-term educational needs of primary and secondary school age children. The regional education and language teams, REALT, have been established to support the needs of Ukrainian children arriving in Ireland. These teams will be hosted by the 16 regional education and training boards and will be staffed by existing regionally-based personnel working to ensure co-ordination and alignment of supports for Ukrainian children. The primary role of the REALT will be to assist children in finding school places and to support schools to meet the needs of these children.
Capacity is a forefront challenge for the Department, both in terms of physical school buildings in which to accommodate additional pupils, as well as the human resources, teachers, special needs assistants, SNAs, and others with the skills to address their educational needs. Work is under way to identify capacity within existing schools across the country to address the immediate educational needs of arriving Ukrainian refugees, with the location of the accommodation provided for Ukrainian people relevant in identifying appropriate school capacity to meet their education needs. Language plays a vital role in helping students to clarify and interpret experiences, explore ideas and emotions, and deepen their understanding of the world around them. The allocation of specialist resources to schools takes account of the needs of pupils in the school, including, where appropriate, English as an additional language, EAL, needs. The Department is considering in close consultation with other relevant bodies and Departments how best to support intensive English language learning for post-primary age children who may have low levels of English proficiency.
The issue of driver's licences was raised by a number of Senators. It is not in the notes I have for this address but I will bring the matter back to the relevant Minister and highlight the level of concern expressed about it in today's debate. The scale of this humanitarian response is unprecedented for this State, but it is a task we undertake knowing that by doing so, we are saving lives. I ask Senators to continue to work with communities, as they are doing on a daily basis, to welcome those who have arrived already and to prepare for the arrival of those yet to come.
It is a great honour for me to be in the Seanad and to have the opportunity to contribute to this debate. I thank my colleagues in Fine Gael, in particular Senators Seery Kearney and Dolan, for the work and effort that went into this motion. I also acknowledge the contributions from all parties and none across the House. The contributions I have listened to over the past number of hours have clearly demonstrated that the views of this House are very much representative of the reaction of the Irish people. That has been evident in the specific and detailed questions asked and the individual points raised on what is impacting the lives of the Ukrainian people. This tells me that many Members of this House are working hard to ensure a smooth transition for the people who are with us now.
We are all horrified at the outrageous attack on the people of Ukraine. I will now outline the Government's response and address some of the key points raised by Senators.
In response to some of the points that were raised, Senator Higgins highlighted the risk of referencing only Ukrainian women and children and having a risk of stigma around male refugees. I am acutely aware that we have some male refugees here who are lone parents and that some of their children have disabilities. It is a point well made. We have to be very careful that we do not get a certain image in our head. There are many different victims and the impact of this conflict has very different consequences for so many people. Our role in the Government and the role of the Irish people is to support everyone as far as we can in all those elements.
In response to Senator Malcolm Byrne, the Government stands fully behind Ukraine's application for EU membership. We all look forward to President Zelenskiy's address to both Houses of the Oireachtas next week. Senator Carrigy commented on support for Irish farms and food producers impacted by the conflict. It is important to put on record that we do not have a food security or feed security crisis here. The Government wants to support our food production sector and farmers to ensure that we do not have one into the future either. We are acutely aware of the impact of the cost of living on Irish people, which has been made worse as a result of this conflict. That has impacted on our businesses and farmers. That is why we have targeted supports from the Government for our tillage sector and our pig farmers who are really struggling at present. Discussions continue about further potential interventions to support that sector through very difficult times.
Since the outbreak of the war and the arrival in Ireland of the first Ukrainians fleeing it, the scale of the response to the crisis has been unprecedented. Ireland has received 15,294 arrivals from Ukraine as of 29 March. We have established dedicated teams at our airports and ports that meet new arrivals from Ukraine with teams from several Departments including the Departments of Social Protection, Health, Justice and Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Officials from these Departments are ensuring that every person arriving is met and given support as soon as possible.
The International Protection Accommodation Service, IPAS, of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has temporarily taken responsibility for providing accommodation to Ukrainian refugees. Officials are continuously working to source further accommodation and supports for Ukrainian arrivals to Ireland through hotel accommodation and various other accommodation options and solutions. The Irish Red Cross, the Defence Forces and estate agents and valuers have started to evaluate pledges placed through the national pledge mechanism operated by the Irish Red Cross, and to inspect the properties with a view to making them available quickly to refugees.
It is a priority for the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to ensure the system of recognition of the skills and qualifications of Ukrainians is expedited to support those Ukrainians who want to access the workplace. This will enable Ukrainian people coming to Ireland to work and use their skills within the Irish economy. The Minister, Deputy Harris, and his Department are working intensively with the European Commission to ensure that the qualification recognition process aligns across the EU.
For those Ukrainians arriving in Ireland seeking to continue or start their education, the Department is determined to ensure the provision of these services and their accessibility. We are working to ensure the information we provide is in a language which is easily understood by those we are working to assist. On supports for accessing further education, such as the SUSI grant, the Department is examining options to ensure incoming Ukrainian students would be eligible for student supports. Statutory and administrative options are being considered, and legal advice has been sought as to what actions can be taken in order for incoming Ukrainians to be eligible for some assistance. The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science will be bringing forward proposals shortly.
The 16 education and training boards offer English-language skills courses for adults. When the temporary directive was activated, spare capacity was identified in the system to meet the needs of Ukrainian people coming to Ireland. Ukrainians wishing to learn English or improve their English can contact their local ETB for an assessment of their English language competency across the four core skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
The Government is working to ensure that local capacity, resources and knowledge are brought to bear on the humanitarian response to people fleeing Ukraine and seeking protection in Ireland. Ireland has a well-developed volunteer infrastructure in place and the capacity, willingness and expertise exist at local level to co-ordinate responses, signpost services, and link voluntary and statutory efforts. The response to Covid-19 has shown us the positive impact we can have by working together at local and national level. Massive efforts were made by volunteers during the pandemic, and dedicated volunteers across the country are already working again to help people from Ukraine arriving in Ireland.
As the new arrivals begin to settle in, each local authority is establishing a community response forum to provide a focal point for the community response in their area. The community response fora will enable all those involved to work together under the stewardship of the local authority. This will ensure effective co-ordination in providing supports to the new Ukrainian communities. The community volunteers pilot programme is also providing a way for local communities to offer support to those in need. The programme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development, co-ordinated by Volunteer Ireland and volunteer centres, and supported by the local authority in each area. The programme is initially running in counties Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Louth, Meath and Wicklow, and roll-out is due this year in ten further counties.
The Department of Health and the HSE have put in place a streamlined medical card application process for Ukrainian refugees. A lag in applications is apparent and was expected as refugees are settling into their accommodation. Senator Wall raised specific points about that application process. I can confirm that as of 28 March, medical cards had been issued to 605 Ukrainians with 224 applications pending. The medical card section on the HSE website is replicated in Russian and Ukrainian. Ukrainian and Russian versions of the medical card form are also available.
The HSE in consultation with the Irish Medical Organisation has prepared a range of bespoke options for the provision of general practitioner services to those in IPAS accommodation. The model for each site varies depending on numbers and geographical distribution, however all have access to GP out-of-hours services.
Operational processes for urgent referrals or medical evacuees are in place as Ireland is supporting emergency patient care through medical evacuation where we can. I am pleased to confirm that with assistance from a number of Departments, the HSE and the Air Corps, two paediatric patients were transported from Poland for treatment at Irish hospitals. Although our medical evacuation capacity is limited, we will continue to review patient cases and support this co-ordinated EU effort where we can.
The Irish health system is also providing medical humanitarian assistance. Over the past month, Ireland has been providing donations of medical supplies and equipment to Ukraine in response to the requests for assistance from the Ukrainian authorities and neighbouring countries. Further instalments of this donation are expected to be dispatched later this week and once complete, the total consignment of medical equipment will include over 4,500 items of equipment from hospitals and other sources.
The Department of Education continues to work intensively to make education available to Ukrainian children. This includes supporting the well-being and social and emotional needs of these young people. The Department is already providing supports to schools and is advancing further arrangements to address the short-term educational needs of primary and secondary school age children. The regional education and language teams, REALT, have been established to support the needs of Ukrainian children arriving in Ireland. These teams will be hosted by the 16 regional education and training boards and will be staffed by existing regionally-based personnel working to ensure co-ordination and alignment of supports for Ukrainian children. The primary role of the REALT will be to assist children in finding school places and to support schools to meet the needs of these children.
Capacity is a forefront challenge for the Department, both in terms of physical school buildings in which to accommodate additional pupils, as well as the human resources, teachers, special needs assistants, SNAs, and others with the skills to address their educational needs. Work is under way to identify capacity within existing schools across the country to address the immediate educational needs of arriving Ukrainian refugees, with the location of the accommodation provided for Ukrainian people relevant in identifying appropriate school capacity to meet their education needs. Language plays a vital role in helping students to clarify and interpret experiences, explore ideas and emotions, and deepen their understanding of the world around them. The allocation of specialist resources to schools takes account of the needs of pupils in the school, including, where appropriate, English as an additional language, EAL, needs. The Department is considering in close consultation with other relevant bodies and Departments how best to support intensive English language learning for post-primary age children who may have low levels of English proficiency.
The issue of driver's licences was raised by a number of Senators. It is not in the notes I have for this address but I will bring the matter back to the relevant Minister and highlight the level of concern expressed about it in today's debate. The scale of this humanitarian response is unprecedented for this State, but it is a task we undertake knowing that by doing so, we are saving lives. I ask Senators to continue to work with communities, as they are doing on a daily basis, to welcome those who have arrived already and to prepare for the arrival of those yet to come.
Humanitarian Support for Ukrainian Refugees: Statements
March 23rd: Senator Fiona O’Loughlin
I welcome the Minister to the House and wish him well in the mammoth task he is co-ordinating on behalf of the Government and the State. There is no doubt the people of Ukraine continue to suffer under the tyrannical and dictatorial actions of Putin. The scenes keep going from bad to worse every day. We see them on our telephones and television screens and in the newspapers. It is shocking that almost 150 children have been killed and 57 schools and 12 hospitals have been bombed. The list goes on.
Last week, I spent a number of days at the Council of Europe, along with the Leas-Chathaoirleach, engaging with nine female parliamentarians from Ukraine. Seeing the pain and terror in their faces and listening to their experiences was incredible. One of the parliamentarians brought her two young daughters with her because there was nobody at home to mind them as their father, grandfather, uncles etc. were off fighting. As hard as it was to listen to these women, it was harder to say goodbye when they left on Wednesday to travel back overland to Ukraine. We did not know whether we would get a chance to see and speak to them again. They have been involved in setting up a group, Parliamentarians for Ukraine, which is spearheaded by a former Prime Minister of Lithuania. I joined the group's first call yesterday morning and I recommend that Members of the Seanad and Dáil sign up to it. It is important that we, as parliamentarians, look at what we can do even outside of the whole humanitarian element. As legislators, we need to put policies in place.
The outpouring of support from the Irish people continues. The humanity our people have shown is nothing short of phenomenal. Like Senator Conway, I have been liaising with Ukrainians and volunteers throughout my area of south Kildare. We really have managed to unite people in this effort. The crisis has brought communities together in a meaningful way but more needs to be done on the co-ordination of the community response. I have emailed the Minister with some suggestions in that regard. Throughout the country, we are seeing men and women, young and old, coming together and going to extraordinary lengths to support the Ukrainians. My friend, Angie Goff, who is in Dublin, has, together with Ireland for Ukraine, found homes for more than 100 families in private households. That effort began two days after the war started and she has done phenomenal work. We hope the people who have been housed can be absorbed into the Irish Red Cross effort. Ms Goff has had conversations with its secretary general, Liam O'Dywer, but there needs to be clarity around these issues.
In my housing estate in Newbridge, young children have been going door to door selling blue and yellow cupcakes to raise money for the Irish Red Cross. My neighbours, Freddie and Breda Reid, have already taken in a family of seven and I have registered to take people into my home. Local hospitality businesses have given their premises for volunteers to meet. Pharmacies have sourced badly needed medical supplies to send to Ukraine. Local schools have contributed. I mention Ardscoil in Athy in particular because Stephen Prior, who is doing a transition year placement with me, goes to school there. He is the buddy of a Ukrainian boy of the same age. The school has set up a system to absorb the Ukrainians into the community. Mary Lenihan and Peter Hussey have started organising language classes and social activities for those who are coming. Tomorrow, a convoy of people, including my sister-in-law, Siobhán, will set off for the Polish border to deliver necessary medical equipment and walkie-talkies before taking refugees home with them. I am in awe of the response of my community. I always have been a proud lilywhite but never more so than I am right now. The response by the public has been phenomenal, as has that of the State.
Colleagues and I have previously raised the actions of Ryanair in increasing the prices of flights. It is necessary again to call that company out in this regard.
I want to ask about the situation of the people with disabilities who come here. Will there be a cental co-ordinating agency to assist them? There are agencies that want to give that support. We need to have people stationed at the border of Ukraine to help people before they leave for Ireland. It is very important we have a presence there.
Support to Ukraine: MotionMarch 30th: Senator Fiona O’Loughlin
I thank the Minister of State for being here to take this really important motion. I commend my colleague, Senator Seery Kearney, on putting it together. It is incredibly worthwhile. While we have had the opportunity to speak about the situation in Ukraine, it is important that meat is put on the bones in respect of the response, so I thank Senator Seery Kearney and her colleagues for that.
Much has been said in this House, in the Lower House, in council chambers and right around the country about the horrific situation that has unfolded over the past five weeks in Ukraine. While we saw before Christmas an evolving situation in which Russia was really pushing at the borders, I think there was a feeling of hope that this would not happen. Yet on 24 February we all woke up to realise that war in our time was happening and that the population of Ukraine was being subjected to shocking bombings.
Two weeks ago, 61 schools and 13 hospitals had been bombed. I do not doubt that this figure has increased. We have seen through the power of media and social media shocking images that the world had not seen in many decades and certainly not this close to Europe for the past 80 years.
The work the Government, led by the Taoiseach, has done is commendable. Ireland was one of the first countries to open its borders in a humanitarian way in response to the horrific situation Ukrainians have found themselves in. This is in marked contrast to our nearest neighbour. There is no doubt that there is very strong political will to support the Ukrainians who have found their way here. Undoubtedly, many more will come to Ireland.
The community response we have seen has been excellent. My colleague, Senator Wall, spoke about schools bringing communities together to respond. We have Mr. Richard Daly in Kildare. Families throughout County Kildare and other counties are opening their homes. My neighbour three doors down has taken in a family of seven and is an incredible example to all of us. I have registered with the Red Cross to take in Ukrainians because that is the right thing to do. My sister-in-law, Siobhán, drove to the Polish border and returned on Monday with five women, one baby, two dogs and a cat. She was able to offer sanctuary and transport.
United for Ukraine is a political organisation founded by Lithuanian MEP and former Prime Minister, Mr. Andrius Kubilius. I have become a member of the organisation. It is open to all parliamentarians throughout Europe to join. Yesterday there was a meeting on humanitarian aid. It is important to put this in context. At present, Ukraine needs 15,000 tonnes of food every day. It needs 10,000 tonnes of fuel, including for transport. It needs water, medicines and other supports. Currently, it is only receiving 5,000 tonnes of food per day. This is one third of what it needs. We bore witness to families, particularly in Mariupol, not having food and water. It is important that parliamentarians throughout Europe play their part in ensuring that humanitarian aid for those in Ukraine continues in the way it has for the first weeks.
In the context of what is happening at a local level, substantial work is taking place throughout Government in terms of providing accommodation. The community centre in Rathangan will be a reception centre. We certainly welcome this. With regard to supports for those who have arrived, there is nothing more important than access to school places and early education places. I know of one family in Monasterevin with two boys and two girls. Three have received a school place but one has not. We cannot have this situation. That is why I welcome the education and training boards playing a co-ordinating role. We also need clarity in terms of driving licences for Ukrainians. The Department of Education and that Teaching Council have said they will actively promote teachers from Ukraine in order that they can be registered with the Teaching Council, but it is happening too slowly. It has not happened yet. It needs to take place.
Those in the agricultural industry have been impacted most by what is happening in the war regarding the cost of fertiliser. There have to be subsidies for fertiliser. This should be done on tonnage as opposed to on hectares. There are many elements to this very difficult situation. We have to do our best for the Ukrainians who have stayed in their country. We have to do our best for the Ukrainians who have come to our shores. We have to do our best to try to alleviate the impact on those most impacted by the war.
March 23rd: Senator Fiona O’Loughlin
I welcome the Minister to the House and wish him well in the mammoth task he is co-ordinating on behalf of the Government and the State. There is no doubt the people of Ukraine continue to suffer under the tyrannical and dictatorial actions of Putin. The scenes keep going from bad to worse every day. We see them on our telephones and television screens and in the newspapers. It is shocking that almost 150 children have been killed and 57 schools and 12 hospitals have been bombed. The list goes on.
Last week, I spent a number of days at the Council of Europe, along with the Leas-Chathaoirleach, engaging with nine female parliamentarians from Ukraine. Seeing the pain and terror in their faces and listening to their experiences was incredible. One of the parliamentarians brought her two young daughters with her because there was nobody at home to mind them as their father, grandfather, uncles etc. were off fighting. As hard as it was to listen to these women, it was harder to say goodbye when they left on Wednesday to travel back overland to Ukraine. We did not know whether we would get a chance to see and speak to them again. They have been involved in setting up a group, Parliamentarians for Ukraine, which is spearheaded by a former Prime Minister of Lithuania. I joined the group's first call yesterday morning and I recommend that Members of the Seanad and Dáil sign up to it. It is important that we, as parliamentarians, look at what we can do even outside of the whole humanitarian element. As legislators, we need to put policies in place.
The outpouring of support from the Irish people continues. The humanity our people have shown is nothing short of phenomenal. Like Senator Conway, I have been liaising with Ukrainians and volunteers throughout my area of south Kildare. We really have managed to unite people in this effort. The crisis has brought communities together in a meaningful way but more needs to be done on the co-ordination of the community response. I have emailed the Minister with some suggestions in that regard. Throughout the country, we are seeing men and women, young and old, coming together and going to extraordinary lengths to support the Ukrainians. My friend, Angie Goff, who is in Dublin, has, together with Ireland for Ukraine, found homes for more than 100 families in private households. That effort began two days after the war started and she has done phenomenal work. We hope the people who have been housed can be absorbed into the Irish Red Cross effort. Ms Goff has had conversations with its secretary general, Liam O'Dywer, but there needs to be clarity around these issues.
In my housing estate in Newbridge, young children have been going door to door selling blue and yellow cupcakes to raise money for the Irish Red Cross. My neighbours, Freddie and Breda Reid, have already taken in a family of seven and I have registered to take people into my home. Local hospitality businesses have given their premises for volunteers to meet. Pharmacies have sourced badly needed medical supplies to send to Ukraine. Local schools have contributed. I mention Ardscoil in Athy in particular because Stephen Prior, who is doing a transition year placement with me, goes to school there. He is the buddy of a Ukrainian boy of the same age. The school has set up a system to absorb the Ukrainians into the community. Mary Lenihan and Peter Hussey have started organising language classes and social activities for those who are coming. Tomorrow, a convoy of people, including my sister-in-law, Siobhán, will set off for the Polish border to deliver necessary medical equipment and walkie-talkies before taking refugees home with them. I am in awe of the response of my community. I always have been a proud lilywhite but never more so than I am right now. The response by the public has been phenomenal, as has that of the State.
Colleagues and I have previously raised the actions of Ryanair in increasing the prices of flights. It is necessary again to call that company out in this regard.
I want to ask about the situation of the people with disabilities who come here. Will there be a cental co-ordinating agency to assist them? There are agencies that want to give that support. We need to have people stationed at the border of Ukraine to help people before they leave for Ireland. It is very important we have a presence there.
Support to Ukraine: MotionMarch 30th: Senator Fiona O’Loughlin
I thank the Minister of State for being here to take this really important motion. I commend my colleague, Senator Seery Kearney, on putting it together. It is incredibly worthwhile. While we have had the opportunity to speak about the situation in Ukraine, it is important that meat is put on the bones in respect of the response, so I thank Senator Seery Kearney and her colleagues for that.
Much has been said in this House, in the Lower House, in council chambers and right around the country about the horrific situation that has unfolded over the past five weeks in Ukraine. While we saw before Christmas an evolving situation in which Russia was really pushing at the borders, I think there was a feeling of hope that this would not happen. Yet on 24 February we all woke up to realise that war in our time was happening and that the population of Ukraine was being subjected to shocking bombings.
Two weeks ago, 61 schools and 13 hospitals had been bombed. I do not doubt that this figure has increased. We have seen through the power of media and social media shocking images that the world had not seen in many decades and certainly not this close to Europe for the past 80 years.
The work the Government, led by the Taoiseach, has done is commendable. Ireland was one of the first countries to open its borders in a humanitarian way in response to the horrific situation Ukrainians have found themselves in. This is in marked contrast to our nearest neighbour. There is no doubt that there is very strong political will to support the Ukrainians who have found their way here. Undoubtedly, many more will come to Ireland.
The community response we have seen has been excellent. My colleague, Senator Wall, spoke about schools bringing communities together to respond. We have Mr. Richard Daly in Kildare. Families throughout County Kildare and other counties are opening their homes. My neighbour three doors down has taken in a family of seven and is an incredible example to all of us. I have registered with the Red Cross to take in Ukrainians because that is the right thing to do. My sister-in-law, Siobhán, drove to the Polish border and returned on Monday with five women, one baby, two dogs and a cat. She was able to offer sanctuary and transport.
United for Ukraine is a political organisation founded by Lithuanian MEP and former Prime Minister, Mr. Andrius Kubilius. I have become a member of the organisation. It is open to all parliamentarians throughout Europe to join. Yesterday there was a meeting on humanitarian aid. It is important to put this in context. At present, Ukraine needs 15,000 tonnes of food every day. It needs 10,000 tonnes of fuel, including for transport. It needs water, medicines and other supports. Currently, it is only receiving 5,000 tonnes of food per day. This is one third of what it needs. We bore witness to families, particularly in Mariupol, not having food and water. It is important that parliamentarians throughout Europe play their part in ensuring that humanitarian aid for those in Ukraine continues in the way it has for the first weeks.
In the context of what is happening at a local level, substantial work is taking place throughout Government in terms of providing accommodation. The community centre in Rathangan will be a reception centre. We certainly welcome this. With regard to supports for those who have arrived, there is nothing more important than access to school places and early education places. I know of one family in Monasterevin with two boys and two girls. Three have received a school place but one has not. We cannot have this situation. That is why I welcome the education and training boards playing a co-ordinating role. We also need clarity in terms of driving licences for Ukrainians. The Department of Education and that Teaching Council have said they will actively promote teachers from Ukraine in order that they can be registered with the Teaching Council, but it is happening too slowly. It has not happened yet. It needs to take place.
Those in the agricultural industry have been impacted most by what is happening in the war regarding the cost of fertiliser. There have to be subsidies for fertiliser. This should be done on tonnage as opposed to on hectares. There are many elements to this very difficult situation. We have to do our best for the Ukrainians who have stayed in their country. We have to do our best for the Ukrainians who have come to our shores. We have to do our best to try to alleviate the impact on those most impacted by the war.
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Message from Sean O' Fearghail's office that an offer of accommodation has been received from Bert House. !7 Rooms. Has been refered to Minister Roderic O' Gorman for processing
Message from Sean O' Fearghail's office that an offer of accommodation has been received from Bert House. !7 Rooms. Has been refered to Minister Roderic O' Gorman for processing