Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Ukraine War

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022

Tuesday, 22 March 2022

Ceisteanna (1170)

Dessie Ellis

Ceist:

1170. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will initiate outreach to local communities via the community response fora in relation to the provision of information and soliciting the support and buy in of local communities to become positive advocates and active participants in developments in their areas to accommodate the Ukrainian persons who have been displaced by the war in Ukraine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14526/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Government is working to ensure that local capacity, resources and knowledge are brought to bear on the overall humanitarian response to people fleeing Ukraine and seeking protection in Ireland and will work closely with Local Authorities to ensure a well-co-ordinated and seamless approach.

I recognise that the capacity, willingness and expertise exists at local level to co-ordinate responses, signpost services, and link voluntary and statutory efforts. The response to COVID-19 has shown us the positive impact we can have by working together at local and national level.

My Department is actively linking with key stakeholders at community level on an ongoing basis, including local volunteer centres, to provide information on the national response, support the co-ordination of immediate and ongoing integration and social supports provided through the local and community development sector, ensure complementarity with national and local government initiatives and enable flexibility in programme delivery to focus on the response. In this regard, my Department hosted a webinar with key stakeholders last week, attended by over 160 participants, to provide information, disseminate key messages and encourage communication and co-ordination. This was in addition to other meetings with relevant stakeholders in the sector. My Department and I will continue this engagement to ensure a cohesive and coordinated approach as the crisis develops.

Barr
Roinn