Holly Cairns
Ceist:120. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he is taking to provide aid to other European countries that are taking in large numbers of Ukrainian refugees. [12161/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 2 March 2022
Ceisteanna (120)
Freagraí scríofa
I am extremely concerned by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked attack is causing immense suffering for the people of Ukraine. Russia’s war is illegal and immoral, and Ireland’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering. Ireland will do all it can to support the humanitarian response both in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries.
As an Taoiseach announced last week, a €10 million Irish Aid Ukraine humanitarian package has been put together to enable organisations on the ground, including the UN and the Red Cross Movement, to provide life-saving assistance. Some of this assistance is allocated to the UNHCR Regional Response Plan (RPP) for Ukraine, which is providing support to neighbouring European countries hosting Ukrainian refugees in the region.
In addition, Ireland contributes to global funds and core funding to key agencies that allocate funding to Ukraine, including WHO, OCHA, UNHCR, IFRC, ICRC and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). Ireland was the 9th largest donor to the CERF in 2021. Last week, the CERF allocated more than €17.8 million to Ukraine. This year Ireland's annual contribution to the CERF increases from €10m to €11.5m, as I announced at the CERF pledging conference last December.
My officials are coordinating closely with our EU partners and other countries in the region on this rapidly evolving situation in Ukraine and on the humanitarian response.