Micheál Martin raises concerns about Ukrainian refugee education under 90 day plan
Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin pictured delivering his keynote address at the 81st Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis hosted in the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, Ship Street Great, Dublin. Picture: Conor McCabe
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said that he needs “absolute guarantees” that Ukrainian refugees are not moved around from schools under any reforms to Ireland’s asylum offering.
Mr Martin said that there needs to be a “comprehensive package” on any changes to Ireland’s offering to Ukrainian refugees, rather than taking individual steps.
Integration Minister Roderic O’Gorman previously flagged plans to his Cabinet colleagues to introduce a 90-day time limit for Ukrainian refugees to stay in State accommodation.
“I think the way to do that is have a comprehensive package and programme, not just one area. That is the policy and we need to be upfront about that,” Mr Martin said, speaking on RTÉ’s .
He said that it was not the case that Fianna Fáil were arguing one side and that Fine Gael and the Green Party were on the other while reiterating that reports of a row were “overplayed”.
Mr Martin added that it was clear Ireland is facing pressure stemming from the number of Ukrainian refugees who have arrived since the war broke out in early 2022.
However, he said that any changes made to Ireland’s offering needed to consider education being received by Ukrainian children.
“My most fundamental point, if I'm honest about it, is that any child that comes into Ireland has to get an education,” Mr Martin said.
“No child should ever, in my view, ever be denied a school place or an education place because that's fundamental to that child’s development, irrespective of where the child comes from.”
Asked if his main concern is about moving children around, Mr Martin said that it is.
“My view is that you just can’t say to a child, you’re in a particular location and you may be gone from there in 90 days, therefore you’re not going into the school.
“I’m not saying that’s being proposed, but I want absolute guarantees on that front.”
