Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
1192. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the endeavours that have been undertaken to provide Ukrainian refugees with information as to accessing State services and supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30082/22]
View answerSince the outbreak of the war in Ukraine on 24 February, and the invoking of the Temporary Protection Directive by the European Union shortly afterwards, my Department has worked intensively as part of the cross-government response to the Ukraine crisis.
The operational challenges brought about by responding to the conflict are significant. Our country has never experienced an influx of displaced persons like the one that we have seen over the past months.
My Department’s role is focused on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here. To date, more than 32,000 people have arrived in Ireland and just in excess of 25,000 of those have been referred to us seeking accommodation from the State.
Within my Department, a dedicated Ukraine Response Division has been newly established. The team includes more than 80 staff. The majority of these staff have moved from within the Department with consequent impacts on ongoing work priorities. The Division also includes new staff and those seconded from other Departments and Agencies.
Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, a broad range of accommodation types have been contracted, including emergency accommodation. While this is not ideal, the priority is to place people fleeing the conflict in safe and secure accommodation.
Numbers seeking international protection have also increased adding to accommodation capacity issues.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth continues to work as part of the whole-of-Government response to meet the immediate accommodation needs of those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.
The Government is resolute in its solidarity and support for Ukraine, and huge efforts are being made to source facilities that will provide those arriving in Ireland with safety and shelter.
Upon arrival at the Citywest welcome centre, officials from the Department of Justice and the Department of Social Protection are present to engage with displaced persons fleeing conflict in Ukraine. Special arrangements have been made for displaced persons fleeing conflict in Ukraine so they do not need to apply for a PPSN online. Instead, individuals are able to apply directly at the Citywest convention centre at this early stage. Alternatively, provision has been made for displaced persons who have not arrived through Dublin Airport to apply for a PPSN at local intreo/branch offices.
State supports are the responsibility of the Department of Social Protection which has a dedicated webpage entitled Social Welfare supports for those arriving from Ukraine under the Temporary Protection Directive. The information is comprehensive and addresses public services, income supports, getting a payment, what to do if one starts working and where to go to get government supports. In addition, the information on the website has been translated and is available to view in both Ukrainian and Russian.
As part of a whole-of-Government communications response, a dedicated website entitled: Ireland’s response to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine – Information for people on Gov.ie provides a range of information on matter such as arriving in Ireland, accommodation, social welfare supports, employment, childcare and education supports, healthcare and how people and community groups can help.
My Department is in regular contact with all the relevant stakeholders to facilitate the provision of supports and services to Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. This includes the Local Authorities who have stood up the Community Response Forum locally which brings together organisations, statutory bodies such as Tusla and the HSE, and volunteers at a local level to link services to those that need them.
Furthermore, my Department has regular engagement with NGOs working in this sector. They have been extremely supportive and my Department is committed to continued cooperation and collaboration.
I have had the privilege in recent weeks to travel around the country to speak with representatives of community groups, family resource centres and youth services as well as those who are on the front line of this engagement. In particular, I thank the community groups around the country that have done so much, individually and collectively, to welcome those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine to our country.
My Department and its staff will continue in their efforts to assist those arriving as best they can.
