Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte has chaired a meeting of disability groups to discuss the impact of the war in Ukraine and its effect on people with disabilities in the country.
Organisations at the meeting detailed the work being done to respond to the crisis across civil society organisations, both nationally and internationally.
Attendees discussed the problems faced by people with disability fleeing conflict, along with the challenges for people with disability who remain in Ukraine.
These include the need for medical support, assistive aids and devices, and bespoke accommodation needs.
“We know that in conflict scenarios people who are more vulnerable suffer additional hardship,” said Minister Rabbitte.
“We must do everything we can to support people with disabilities who arrive seeking accommodation and supports, and we also must consider how we support those who stay in Ukraine, or are currently unable to leave.”
The Fianna Fáil TD said that coordination between the government, its agencies and civil society groups and organisations is important during such conflict to ensure that everybody is working together to support people as they arrive into Ireland, including people with disabilities.
“Meeting our disability organisations underlined the challenge in accommodating people with additional needs but also showed me that we have the will to find solutions,” she said.
“Working together with civil society we will do everything in our power to support those affected by the war”.
