Support for Ukrainian refugees in Poland
Deputy Whitmore welcomed Ireland's response to the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis but argued more should be done on the ground in Poland. The Minister said assistance must be coordinated through the Polish Government and EU institutions, and confirmed Ireland would not act unilaterally.
I acknowledge and commend the Government on the approach it has taken towards the Ukrainian refugees in the humanitarian crisis we are seeing. It is heartbreaking to see the images of women, children and elderly people trying to reach the border and queueing for hours in freezing conditions. I imagine when they get to the border, there is probably a sense of relief but also a sense of fear and sadness regarding what they are leaving behind and what lies ahead. While we have taken a good approach in this country, we have been very passive regarding what has happened on the ground in Poland. Will the Government send buses and planes to make sure that people who are coming to Ireland are supported in getting here and that we take as much stress as possible out of that journey for them and that we are there for them? That is a simple measure we could take. Will the Minister do that?
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The best way we can do that, as I said earlier in response to another question, is by working with the Polish Government. We really have to follow its lead.
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Yes, but we will respond and co-ordinate with what the Polish say because the last thing they want is an ad hoc approach and a variety of different actors coming in where they have to manage and marshal what they are responsible for. It is through working with the European Commission and the Polish Government, in giving a co-ordinated response, that we will be most effective.
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Will the Minister offer that?
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Absolutely, but we will not send Irish trucks or buses in an unco-ordinated way that is not at their behest.