Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 March 2022
278. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that can be taken to facilitate Ukrainians fleeing Ukraine and who are not in possession of an international passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12385/22]
View answerI am extremely concerned by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked attack is causing immense suffering for the people of Ukraine. Russia’s war is illegal and immoral, and Ireland’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering. Ireland will do all it can to support the humanitarian response both in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries.
As an Taoiseach announced last week, a €10 million Irish Aid Ukraine humanitarian package has been put together to enable organisations on the ground, including the UN and the Red Cross Movement, to provide life-saving assistance to the people of Ukraine. Ireland is also sending urgent medical supplies, including protective suits and masks and disinfectants, in response to a request from Ukraine via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM).
In addition, Ireland contributes to global funds and core funding to key agencies that are allocating funding to Ukraine, including WHO, OCHA, UNHCR, IFRC, ICRC and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). Ireland was the 9th largest donor to the CERF in 2021. Last week, the CERF allocated more than €17.8 million to Ukraine. This year we will increase our annual contribution to the CERF from €10m to €11.5m, as I announced at the CERF pledging conference in December.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is the competent Department on refugees and works with relevant international bodies, including the Red Cross, on assisted refuge, including for those without documents. It would be for immigration officials to determine whether any given individual can access the State.
The EU agreed on the 4 March 2022, to activate the Temporary Protection Directive, which allows a form of temporary protection aimed at offering immediate help by granting large groups of people collective protection status. Such people would have protection status for up to a year (with a possibility of extension of up to three years), without going through individual asylum claims, and allowing access to housing and other benefits (e.g. education, health, social welfare, residency permits).
