Vol. 519 No. 1
99 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Kosovans residing at Magee Barracks in Kildare town; if it is intended that these people will remain there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13169/00]
There is a total of 241 Kosovar refugees accommodated in mobile homes in Magee Barracks in Kildare town.
The evacuation programme in 1999 for Kosovar refugees was always seen as a temporary measure. The refugees were given permission to remain in Ireland for one year. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees has now indicated that, for the vast majority of Kosovar refugees, there is no longer a need for temporary protection in host countries. The programme will, therefore, be gradually wound down and returning refugees will receive assistance to help them start the process of rebuilding their lives in Kosovo.
The Government expects most refugees to return to Kosovo over the next few months. However, it is recognised that there may be individual cases of vulnerable refugees who may require protection for a further temporary period. Such cases will be looked at sympathetically by Government. It is intended that, where refugees are given permission to remain for a further temporary period, they will move out of the existing reception centres into private rented accommodation.
