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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Coordination of refugee services

Summary

Deputy Bacik sought a debate on Government coordination of protection and refugee services, especially amid the pause at Citywest. The Taoiseach said he would consult the Whip and was willing to provide time for discussion.

I have written to the Taoiseach and the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy O'Gorman, and others over a number of months seeking an answer about the better co-ordination by the Government of services for those who come here seeking protection or refugee status, including those who come here from Ukraine. I am very concerned about today's report that Citywest transit hub is to pause the entry of new international protection arrivals to emergency accommodation. I ask that the Taoiseach facilitate statements, a debate or some response on the co-ordination of services for those who come here seeking protection. I ask this particularly given that so many people in my constituency, in an exercise of "yimbyism" – yes in my backyardism – are asking me to put to the Taoiseach and other Ministers that a huge hotel in Ballsbridge, Jurys, is sitting vacant. Baggot Street hospital, which I have also raised on numerous occasions, and other major centres also have the potential to be used for accommodation, yet we are not being given any co-ordinated response by the Government as to where we should go with these very positive and constructive suggestions on the provision of emergency accommodation to those who come here seeking refugee status. We ask that this be put on the Government's agenda.

Comment on this
Leo Varadkar The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I thank the Deputy. I will have to consult the Whip on this but we will certainly be happy to provide time to discuss the issue. The response to Ukraine and the migrant crisis we are dealing with across Europe, including Ireland, is co-ordinated by a Cabinet subcommittee led by the Department of the Taoiseach. It involves many different agencies, not just the Department responsible for integration. The Departments responsible for housing, social protection and community development are also involved. I will be happy to have a further debate about this if it can be agreed by the Business Committee.

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