Vol. 507 No. 4
76 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Kosovar refugees who have arrived here since the commencement of the Balkan war; the number to be accommodated here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15286/99]
As a response to the crisis in Kosovo, the Government agreed, on 14 April, to admit 1,000 refugees of ethnic Albanian origin, from refugee camps in the FYR of Macedonia. Following this decision, Ireland participated in a humanitarian evacuation programme organized under the auspices of the UNHCR. A total of 1,031 refugees arrived here, on a phased basis, between 10 May to 17 June. These refugees have been given the full range of facilities under standard United Nation's temporary protection arrangements. This covers their entitlement to a legalised stay in Ireland, protection against forced return, subsistence, shelter, basic medical care and education. In addition, they are also entitled to seek employment.
The refugees are being accommodated in various locations around the country in a combination of public and privately owned property. Nine refugee centres have been established in Dungarvan and Waterford city; Millstreet, County Cork; Cork city; Killarney (two); Tralee; Kildare and Baltinglass. Each reception centre has its own management team, seconded from the relevant health boards, headed by the Refugee Agency – the Refugee Agency is under the auspices of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
In general, the refugees are adapting well to living in Ireland. Activities, with the support of local communities, have been arranged for families and their children. Play groups have been established. English language classes have now commenced in a number of the centres. A number of the refugees have found employment in local industry.
A certain number of the refugees has expressed an interest in returning to Kosovo as soon as possible and arrangements are now being put in place, in consultation with the UNHCR, to facilitate their return in safety and security. However, those refugees who wish to remain in Ireland until conditions in Kosovo become more stable may, of course, continue to live here.
77 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Kosovar refugees accepted into this country to date; the plans, if any, there are to accept more in view of the severe hardship being endured by many of those in refugee camps; if any limit has been placed by the Government on the numbers this country will accept; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15359/99]
As a response to the crisis in Kosovo, the Government agreed, on 14 April, to admit 1,000 refugees of ethnic Albanian origin, from refugee camps in the FYR of Macedonia. Following this decision, Ireland participated in a humanitarian evacuation programme organized under the auspices of the UNHCR. A total of 1,031 refugees arrived here, on a phased basis, between 10 May to 17 June. These refugees have been given the full range of facilities under standard United Nations temporary protection arrangements. This covers their entitlement to a legalised stay in Ireland, protection against forced return, subsistence, shelter, basic medical care and education. In addition, they are also entitled to seek employment.
The situation regarding refugees in the neighbouring countries to Kosovo is changing on a daily basis. Large numbers of refugees are now returning spontaneously to Kosovo. In addition, the UNHCR has now begun a repatriation programme to Kosovo from the camps in FYR of Macedonia including the camps from where the refugees were evacuated to Ireland. In the light of this, it is unlikely that the UNHCR will initiate a further humanitarian evacuation programme. However, in the event of a deterioration in the circumstances of the refugees, we would be ready to admit a further number if the need arises.
