I want to return to an issue I raised yesterday, namely the Taoiseach's comments at the weekend which appeared to draw a connection between migration and homelessness. I know the Minister made a statement rightly pointing out that international protection applicants do not have a right to HAP or State housing supports. The reality is that the principal reason for homelessness is the lack of houses, the lack of homes. It is certainly not helpful to hear Government Ministers appearing to scapegoat migrants. Nor is it helpful, however, to hear the biggest Opposition party buying into the same political rhetoric. This morning, we all heard Deputy Doherty single out those who have come here seeking refuge from Ukraine. It is neither helpful nor appropriate to have anyone, in government or opposition, suggesting in any way that those who have come here fleeing Russia's brutal bombardment of Ukraine have in some way contributed to a housing crisis that is of the Government's making. Communities across Ireland have stood in solidarity with the Ukrainian people, and I am really disappointed to hear that Sinn Féin is clearly offering a cold shoulder to them. At this point, at this new low in the political vernacular, when we hear this sort of scapegoating, will the Minister tell us why the Government has watered down the hate crime Bill and when the Minister for Justice will bring forward those amendments in the Seanad-----

Thank you, Deputy Bacik. We are way over time. I am sorry.

-----that will see at least some aspect of the Bill come into law?

On the matter of housing and meeting our international obligations, I am very clear that I do not agree with the comments Deputy Doherty put forward. As a Minister who has the job to provide accommodation for people and is providing accommodation through that payment, I am not clear what his solution is in respect of the thousands of people who rely on that payment right now if it is withdrawn.

As regards the hate crime legislation, I have always sought, as part of the Government, to ensure that hate crimes are treated as such. There were 651 hate incidents in our country last year, but we can speak to them only as incidents right now because they are not actually criminal. The targeting of somebody because he or she is black or gay is not considered by the law right now. As Minister and as one of the people who helped to negotiate the programme for Government, ensuring that such legislation is put in place has always been a priority for me. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, will bring forward the relevant amendments shortly in the Seanad.