Refugee Resettlement Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2017

Tuesday, 30 May 2017

Questions (342)

Mick Wallace

Question:

342. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider sending officials from his Department to assist, in the first instance, and to promote Ireland as a favourable destination for refugees and unaccompanied minors in particular, in view of the reports that fast-track migrant centres in Greece and Italy are overwhelmed; the details of discussions he has had to this effect with his counterparts in the Department of Justice and Equality, and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25830/17]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Ireland chose to voluntarily Opt In to EU arrangements to relocate migrants from Greece and Italy and accept up to 4,000 refugees and asylum seekers both on humanitarian grounds and as a gesture of solidarity with our partners in the EU. For administrative and other reasons, progress in receiving migrants has been slower than anticipated, as it has in many other EU member states. However, in recent months the pace has accelerated. We have now taken in 779 persons on resettlement, and 459 persons under relocation, and this includes some 600 children. These figures are expected to increase in the coming weeks and months.

The Deputy will be aware that operational matters relating to refugees and unaccompanied minors coming to Ireland through the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) are matters for my colleagues the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, who chairs the IRPP, and, in respect of unaccompanied minors being cared for in this jurisdiction, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.