Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 December 2020
135. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the aid provided to the Greek Government in respect of the refugees in Lesbos and the families who were being relocated to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43936/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Greek authorities requested assistance from EU Partners in dealing with the immediate humanitarian needs arising from the fire at the Moria Camp on Lesvos on 9 September. My Department, through our Embassy in Athens, has been in contact with the Greek Ministry of Migration Policy and has confirmed Ireland’s readiness to provide assistance from emergency stocks which we have in place at the UN Logistics Base in Brindisi, Italy. The Greek authorities have thanked us for this offer of assistance and we understand from them that, while immediate needs have been met, the Ministry will continue to assess the situation in case of another renewal of interest for more items.
My Department also recently made a contribution of €225,000 to UNICEF, which will support the restoration of Education and Child Protection services for children and youth from the Moria Camp on Lesvos. The destruction of Moria Camp on 9 September has led to the disruption of education and child protection services for 4,200 children. Support for these migrant children, who are mostly from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq, complements the considerable Irish Aid humanitarian support to refugees in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.
With regard to the families being relocated to Ireland, this is a matter for the Department of Justice and was the subject of an announcement by that Department on 1 October.
