Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2022
353. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there are restrictions for the use of funds in relation to the Summer Economic Statement Table 5 Ukrainian Humanitarian Contingency; if the expenditure outlined therein can be used for non-humanitarian purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37828/22]
View answerIt is estimated that 5.6 million refugees from Ukraine have been recorded across Europe. This includes almost forty thousand refugees arriving in Ireland.
Given the evolving nature of the situation, it is difficult to provide exact costings as the number of arrivals fluctuate on a daily basis. The demographic profile of arrivals, a key determinant of costings, is also subject to considerable change. A number of other assumptions are also required. The cost per refugee is highly sensitive to the accommodation solution provided—accommodation solutions are currently being developed and may change over the medium term—this complicates providing an annual cost per refugee.
However, given the expected significant level of supports required for arrivals to Ireland fleeing Ukraine, a contingency provision of €3 billion for 2023 was set out in the Stability Programme Update to meet these costs. This exceptional provision is included as temporary non-core spending in the Summer Economic Statement. This estimate, alongside other non-core expenditure requirements, including requirements in respect of Covid-19, will be reconsidered as part of Budget 2023 as more information becomes available.
