Support for Ukrainians
Senator Davitt defends Ireland’s response to Ukrainians seeking refuge and criticises recent negative commentary about the State’s efforts. The Chair thanks him and calls the next speaker.
I rise in support of Ukrainians and the struggle they face daily. I am proud we have been able to accommodate 60-odd thousand displaced Ukrainians. However, I have been disappointed by some recent negative comments about Ireland's attempts to accommodate Ukrainians seeking refuge. I was surprised some saw fit to criticise the State in the mainstream media in terms of all we have been doing. Like many here, I am at the coalface of it. Indeed, Senator Dooley even went as far as the front line in Ukraine to witness at first hand what has been happening there. We have been very accommodating in the State, we will continue to be and I would appreciate a fair, just and balanced discussion on it when it comes up.