Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 March 2022
231. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that are being taken to provide adequate support and aid to the persons fleeing from the conflict in Ukraine to Ireland. [13631/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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. My Department will continue to work closely with colleagues across Government to ensure a coordinated national response.
The EU agreed on the 4 March 2022 to activate the Temporary Protection Directive. This allows a form of temporary protection aimed at offering immediate help by granting large groups of people collective protection status. Such people would have protection status for up to a year (with a possibility of extension of up to three years), without going through individual asylum claims, and allowing access to housing and other benefits (e.g. education, health, social welfare, residency permits).
My Department has already put together a €20 million Irish Aid humanitarian package enabling humanitarian organisations on the ground, including UN agencies and the Red Cross Movement, to provide life-saving assistance to the people of Ukraine. Urgently needed medical supplies from Irish stocks are being made available through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM).
