Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 November 2023
108. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people that her Department has assisted who vacated Gaza since the onset of the most recent Israeli attacks; the supports that have been provided to these citizens by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51502/23]
View answerMy Department is part of the response providing support to Irish citizens arriving from Gaza to Ireland. During 18th and 19th November, my officials from the Community Welfare Service were at Dublin airport to meet and assist, where necessary, persons arriving from Gaza. This participation will remain ongoing for the duration of these arrivals. The role of the Community Welfare Service is to provide immediate support to persons arriving from Gaza into Ireland and in this regard some persons at the airport were provided with financial support to assist with their immediate personal needs on arrival. Arrangements were also put in place for persons to access PPSNs and primary payments from my Department in the coming days. Other Departments and agencies involved are providing health, housing and other services as necessary.
