Ukraine War

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 March 2022

Thursday, 10 March 2022

Ceisteanna (395)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

395. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the position for some older persons living on their own who have a spare room and who would be happy to consider taking a refugee from Ukraine into their homes but who are fearful that they would lose their social welfare and medical entitlements, for example, the fuel allowance and medical card; if an urgent public reassurance can be issued for such persons who want to assist Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13743/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Frankie Feighan)

Government has decided that refugees from the Ukraine will be granted temporary protection status. The Department of Health is liaising with other govt departments and agencies, on a whole of Govt response to support the arrival of Ukrainian refugees in Ireland.  The issue of accommodation of refugees falls to the Dept of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and offers of accommodation are being coordinated by the Irish Red Cross.

My department, the HSE and I are working together to plan and coordinate the response to the health and social care needs of Ukrainian refugees granted temporary protection status.   My department and the HSE are finalising a plan to respond to the health and social care needs.

Furthermore, my department is coordinating offers of emergency care for Ukrainians in need and donations from the health sector in response to requests from the governments of Ukraine and neighbouring countries coordinated through the EU.

The issues raised by the Deputy fall to be considered as part of the whole of Government response to the crisis.