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Asylum Seekers

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 March 2021

Thursday, 25 March 2021

Questions (122, 123, 124)

Emer Higgins

Question:

122. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if consideration will be given to extending the number of asylum seekers accepted by Ireland from the Greek islands to beyond the proposed 50 persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16020/21]

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Catherine Murphy

Question:

123. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to correspondence (details supplied) regarding persons in Lesbos, Greece; and if he will give the contents urgent consideration. [16064/21]

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Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

124. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if it is planned to give consideration to accepting up to 400 refugees into Ireland from the up to 12,000 persons who have been trapped on the Greek islands, particularly Lesbos (details supplied), in view of the humanitarian tragedy there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16150/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 to 124, inclusive, together.

I am aware of the open letter signed by healthcare professional in Ireland concerning asylum seekers and refugees on Lesvos.

The Government pledge of last October to resettle up to 50 people from Lesvos was in addition to the commitment that Ireland had already made with the UNHCR to resettle 2,900 refugees to Ireland between 2020 and 2023. It is not planned to consider accepting any additional refugees from Greece.

Families have been accepted by Ireland, subject to any assessment, security or otherwise to be undertaken.

My Department is working with the Greek authorities and other relevant stakeholders to effect their relocation to Ireland as soon as possible, with due regard to Covid-19 protocols and restrictions.

In Budget 2021, I secured an additional €5m to support Tusla in providing dedicated services to accelerate the intake of the remaining unaccompanied refugee children in Greece to whom we have committed. Tusla have developed a range of accommodation options to receive and provide specialist care for the children. Changes at European Union level in the procedures for managing the relocation of unaccompanied minors led to a pause in the transfer of all children.

These changes have been successfully implemented at EU level and Ireland has now received a list of unaccompanied minors who may make the journey here, following appropriate security checking and preparation. Tusla are ready to receive these children as soon as they can travel safely. Tusla and my Department are working with the Greek authorities and the HSE to progress the safest travel and relocation options as soon as possible, within the scope of current travel and quarantine restrictions.

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