Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 February 2025
649. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice if he is considering introducing any mechanisms that might allow Ukrainian nationals who are full-time students or in full-time employment here to remain in Ireland after their current protected status, as per the European Union temporary protection directive, expires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7464/25]
View answer650. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice if Ukrainian nationals domiciled in Ireland, under the European Union Temporary Protection Directive, can factor time already spent living in Ireland into an eventual application for naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7475/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 649 and 650 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Temporary Protection Directive has been extended until March 2026 at a meeting of the European Council in June 2024, thereby providing certainty for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection who can continue to avail of the protections that the Directive provides during this time. Consideration as to the arrangements to be put in place following the expiry of the Directive are ongoing, both within the Government and at an EU level.
Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection hold temporary permission to remain in Ireland, this permission is renewable on an annual basis, as long as the Directive remains in force.
The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot pre-empt the outcome of future discussions and decisions of either the EU or the Government in this regard, however, Ireland supports the strong call from EU Member States for a harmonised approach.
