Patricia Ryan
Question:10. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the recent work of the Cabinet Committee on Ukraine. [62595/22]
View answerWednesday, 14 December 2022
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Written answers
The Cabinet Committee on Accommodation and Supports for Ukrainian Refugees, which I chair, oversees the whole-of-Government humanitarian response to supporting people from Ukraine who have sought temporary protection here.
Membership of the Cabinet Committee, includes the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications; and for Transport, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Minister for Social Protection, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Other Ministers and Ministers of State attend the Cabinet Committee as required.
Since the start of this terrible war, more than 67,000 people arriving from Ukraine have availed of Temporary Protection in Ireland. It is expected that figure will rise to more than 70,000 by year-end.
Following a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Ukraine on 24 October, the Government agreed that a move from an emergency response to a more mainstreamed approach was appropriate, in light of the high numbers of people seeking asylum and the need to maximise all existing capacity.
A number of measures were agreed:
- New Local Authority-led Unoccupied Homes Call
- Doubling of the tax-free Recognition Payment from €400 to €800
- €50 million Community Fund to recognise local efforts
- Expansion of Rapid-Build and accommodation refurbishment programme
- Maximising places by allowing for dormitory style accommodation
- Focus on future trends and planning for sustainable supports
The Cabinet Committee met again this week to review progress.