Labour seeks more strongly coordinated approach to refugee accommodation

Labour leader Ivana Bacik today again urged the Taoiseach to ensure greater leadership and coordination from Government on provision of refugee accommodation.

Deputy Bacik said:

“Following the brutal invasion of Ukraine, Labour called for a dedicated Minister to coordinate refugee accommodation. Despite this, Government policy has remained entirely reactive, moving from crisis to crisis.

“The entire responsibility been left with Minister O’Gorman while other relevant ministries such as Housing and Justice appear to offer little support.

“Sadly, in the coming months, many more will be forced to leave their homes and come to Ireland seeking refuge. Rather than put our heads in the sands, we should plan now for this.

“Across Ireland, we have seen communities offering a great welcome to those who have come here seeking refuge from war and persecution. But we need a more co-ordinated government approach to support communities. 

"We need the Taoiseach to coordinate an all-of-government approach at a national level, and we need Government to allocate additional resources to IPAS to ensure sufficient capacity in the provision of accommodation.

"The unprecedented challenge in finding accommodation requires a coherent, NPHET-style response, led by the Taoiseach with a senior CMO-style figure. We also urgently need a public information campaign and community funding rolled out to those to support those communities which are extending that Céad Mile Fáilte.”