Ukrainian accommodation in Clonmel
Deputy McGrath objected to modular homes for Ukrainians in Clonmel being installed without adequate information, consultation or engagement with local representatives. The Taoiseach defended his earlier figures on accommodation flows but said he would look into the lack of engagement.
In a reply to a question in the House last week the Taoiseach told me there was now a net outflow of Ukrainians from State accommodation. At the same time we find in Clonmel that the Department of Education is putting in 82 modular homes for Ukrainians in Haywood Road. This is without any information whatsoever being provided to me as a directly elected Member and with very little information to anybody else.
There is no public consultation or engagement. What is going on in that Department? We are told all the time that there will be better explanations and engagement but there has been none. It has refused to meet and we have been told nothing. Any information I have is from freedom of information, FOI, requests. A case has been taken against Sean Meehan for building a modular home on his own land. He is before the courts facing jail. Why are we are continuing to erect these modular homes and other buildings under emergency powers if there is net outflow of Ukrainian people? It is not adding up. The people of Clonmel and other areas are very concerned because there has been no engagement. I have nothing against Ukrainians but there has been no engagement.
Comment on this
The figures I gave the Deputy last week are correct. Of course, they can change but, roughly speaking, on a daily basis, around 15 people from Ukraine seek access to State accommodation and, roughly speaking, around 45 leave State accommodation. That is roughly the ratio. That obviously averages out over the course of a week. I am very supportive of the work of the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, and the work this country is doing regarding supporting people from Ukraine but I do obviously believe engagement is very important and I would be disappointed if there has not been any. I will follow that up directly with the Minister.