The Ukraine war has resulted in less hotel accommodation in Ireland – but there is not many TDs and senators being forced to sleep in their cars, according to the Taoiseach.

Reports this morning suggested Oireachtas staff members are being left with no alternative but to sleep in their cars due to lack of hotel accommodation in Dublin.

The Dáily Mail reports that one TD from the west of Ireland has had to spend two nights in his car in recent months after repeatedly finding it impossible to get a room.

Speaking in Cork this morning, Micheál Martin said it’s not something that happens often.

“I don’t think it is a widespread phenomenon to be frank about it but clearly tourism has rebounded, as we saw from figures this morning that were announced,” he said.

“we’ve seen a very significant recovery in terms of the tourism sector and there is always pressure in a city like Dublin in terms of accommodation but again, I don’t think there are too many TDs sleeping in cars.”

There are now more than 30,000 Ukrainian refugees in Ireland, with more than two-thirds being housed by the State.

Mr Martin said the vast majority of people in Ireland are proud to be supporting people who are fleeing the war.

“My experience has been a very warm response by the Irish people to the people of Ukraine and an understanding of the terrible circumstances the people of Ukraine find themselves in,” he said.

“We all see the levelling towns, villages and cities. We see women and children traumatized and fleeing the war.

“The war should end. We have repeatedly through EU and ourselves called on Russia to cease hostilities and stop this war because the human destruction is appalling and the impacts on families and people will be long terms if it doesn’t come to an end very, very quickly.”

He said he believes Ireland has responded very well to what is “the worst humanitarian crisis since the 1930s”.