Simon Harris, the Taoiseach, expressed his concern regarding the ‘divisional language’ employed by Mattie McGrath, an Independent TD. Accusing him of setting one community against another, Harris responded to McGrath’s criticism about the planned construction of 82 modular homes for refugees from Ukraine in Clonmel. McGrath argued that the funds should instead address the homelessness issue, as 400 individuals became homeless in Tipperary last year.
However, the Taoiseach refuted McGrath’s comments in the Dáil, stating that the number of Ukrainian inhabitants in state-provided lodgings has shown a decrease. Contrary to the notion of a degenerating situation, the Taoiseach insisted that the scenario was markedly ameliorating.
Mattie McGrath disclosed that through FOI enquiries and parliamentary questions he found out the intended construction was for 82 homes, contrary to the initial 62 homes reported. He termed the costs involved for these homes, potentially reaching €33 million (€407,000 per house), as ‘astonishing,’ emphasising the necessity of utilising these funds to ‘house our own people’.
McGrath also emphasised Tipperary’s need for €2.5 million to retain the N24 Cahir to Waterford project. He also recounted meeting with several societal groups during Wednesday morning, spanning Parkinson’s Society, cardiovascular and disability groups, all vying for ‘small sums of money’. McGrath questioned the allotment of funds for Ukrainian refugees’ modular homes and asked, ‘Where’s it going to end?’
The Taoiseach expressed worry over the language used in McGrath’s arguments, which he viewed as attempting to create divisions amongst different societal strata. Mr Harris recognised the issues addressed by McGrath, but voiced concern over the language used. He stated his belief that such divisive language is unhealthy. The Taoiseach provided data on the accommodation situation for Ukrainian refugees who had escaped conflict in their native country, stating, ‘the situation is improving considerably’ with lower numbers of Ukrainian people in State accommodation each week.
He assured Mr McGrath that regarding the matters exclusive to Mr McGrath’s constituency, he would bring them to the attention of the minister in charge.