Refugee placements and local services
Deputy John Brady argues that communities are not being audited before refugee placements and cites pressure on GP services and schools in Wicklow villages. The Taoiseach says migration is being driven by global realities, Ireland has welcomed large numbers of Ukrainians, and some arrivals are inevitable.
Are audits currently being undertaken in communities where decisions have been taken to place refugees? As far as I can see, none are being carried out. In my own constituency of Wicklow, there are more than 100 Ukrainians now in the small rural village of Carnew, which has a part-time GP service, and it currently takes two to three weeks for people to get an appointment. The local secondary school is at capacity. They are relying on Portakabins which are stacked high and pupils are crammed in. There are similar issues in Tinahely and in Baltinglass where there are sizeable numbers of Ukrainians located, and now we hear the IPAS is looking at a premises in Dunlavin - another rural area - to house 32 people. This is an area with similar challenges in respect of school places and GPs. This is rural west Wicklow where public transport is non-existent. Is the Government being led by speculators who are making millions from this process or is there an actual plan that looks at services-----
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-----and amenities in areas before a decision is taken and addresses any deficit. Otherwise, the Government is failing-----
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There is only one thing by which we are being led and that is the reality around the world and the realities on the ground. More people are on the move now than at any time since the Second World War. Millions of people have left Ukraine and people are leaving Africa and the Middle East for lots of different reasons such as poverty, conflict and war. Approximately 1.5 million or 2 million people entered the European Union irregularly last year.
It is not a surprise that 1% or 2% of them might come to Ireland.
I am proud that we have welcomed 100,000 Ukrainians to Ireland. I do not think we will regret that in ten or 20 years time. I think it reflects very well on our society. Approximately 80,000 Ukrainians are still here. I appreciate that when the population increases, it puts pressure on services. What we have tried to do around healthcare is provide a visiting GP service so that it does not put additional pressure on existing practices. We have provided additional resources to schools as well. Where we can, we have put in transport. I totally appreciate that in some places, that still has not been done or is still in process.