Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022
390. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will confirm, given the temporary closure of the Embassy of Ireland to Ukraine, that all locally employed staff and contractors, and the relevant members of their families, were offered passage to Ireland and international protection here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14301/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the illegal, unprovoked and unjustified further invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces on 24 February, Ireland has stood in unwavering solidarity with the people and government of Ukraine.
Visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens wishing to travel to Ireland have been lifted since 25 February. This allows all Ukrainian nationals considering leaving Ukraine, including locally employed staff at the Embassy in Kyiv and relevant members of their families, to enter Ireland without a visa, if they judge it safe to travel.
In advance of the temporary closure of the Embassy in Kyiv, contingency arrangements were put in place by the Ambassador, including for local staff employees, The Department maintains ongoing contact with the local staff employees at the Embassy in Kyiv, currently in safe locations, in identifying individual supports. In addition, regular contact has been established with contractors engaged by the Embassy at the time the crisis broke and they have been informed of the removal of the visa requirement to enter Ireland.
