Taoiseach Micheál Martin praised the welcome given by the people of Galway to Ukrainian refugees, after a letter from kids at Galway Community College was read in the Dáil.
Galway TD Noel Grealish brought the letter from Ukrainian pupils newly accommodated at Galway Community College.
They asked their Principal Mr Philip Cribbin if they could visit, and gave him “a short note of thanks” for the “heartwarming welcome” they have received in Ireland.
The letter read: “We would like to thank Galway Community College, the Irish government and its people for [the] warmth, support and hospitality we have received since we arrived [in Ireland].”
“When we return home we believe that what we have learnt and experienced in Ireland will help us create a positive new chapter in the history of Ukraine where we will work to rebuild our country’s economy, infrastructure and our lives.”
“A piece of our hearts will always be Irish. Slava Ukraini and Míle buíochas to the Irish people.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin responded by thanking the “college and the people of Galway” for welcoming young pupils so warmly.
He also thanked the young people for “bringing insights to us and for shining a light” on what is happening to their families and country.
“Our students will be much the better for the experience of meeting with the Ukrainian students and sharing their classrooms and school with them.”
“They have enriched us, and we thank them for that,” Micheál Martin said.
