I raise with the Taoiseach the State's response to the emerging refugee crisis in continental Europe in light of Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine that has already seen 2 million people displaced. It will be larger than anything seen since the Second World War. On the Irish response, have any efforts been made or planned to engage those already here, whether they are from Ukraine or, more pertinently, countries close to Ukraine, such as Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Moldova and Romania, to work with recently arrived refugees into Ireland and provide that pastoral practical care? To provide that, they need co-ordination, funding and support from the State. At what stage is that preparation?

Yes, efforts are being made on that front. In the initial phase, the Government was determined to give cash aid to trusted international agencies such as the Red Cross and UN agencies, and €20 million has now been allocated for humanitarian assistance. A further €10 million was allocated through the European Peace Facility in respect of non-lethal supplies to be sent to Ukraine. A pledge register has been established by the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy Roderic O'Gorman, and there has been a very strong response to it.

Much work will be required here. It is on a scale we have not experienced before and is in addition to what had already been a growing migration issue.