Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 September 2021
317. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will facilitate an increase in the number of Afghan refugees offered international protection here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44493/21]
View answer318. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of refugees Ireland will take in from Afghanistan; the timeline for their arrival; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44567/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 317 and 318 together.
I wish to reiterate my deep concern at recent developments in Afghanistan to which Ireland has been responding in a number of ways.
At international level, Ireland is working to address a range of issues particularly through our role as President of the UN Security Council. When I chaired the meeting of the Council on 9 September, I highlighted the need for an inclusive and negotiated peace settlement, the protection and promotion of the human rights of all Afghans, especially of women and girls, and for the Taliban to fulfil their commitment to allow the safe, secure, orderly and unhindered departure of foreign nationals and Afghans at-risk. I also urged the Taliban to facilitate full and safe humanitarian access to allow life-saving support to reach all Afghans and recently approved the provision of an additional €1 million in humanitarian support to the UN High Commission for Refugees.
At national level, the Government has responded to assist vulnerable Afghans. Following the announcement I made together with the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and the Minister for Justice last month, approximately 340 places were allocated under the Refugee Protection Programme and some 110 of these Afghans have since travelled to Ireland. This Programme comes under the remit of the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. The Department of Foreign Affairs and our diplomatic network are providing support by liaising with relevant authorities and individuals in relation to travel routes. My Department has facilitated the safe exit of a further 11 Irish citizens and dependents from Kabul at the weekend and they are currently en route to Ireland.
The Department of Justice is currently reviewing all international protection applications on hand from Afghan nationals with a view to expediting their progress and is examining, as a matter of urgency, proposals for a humanitarian admission programme whereby persons resident in Ireland could apply for family members in Afghanistan to be granted admission to Ireland. I understand that proposals will be brought to Government in relation to this matter in the near future.
