Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022
773. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice if it is proposed to extend measures designed to support refugees from Ukraine to persons fleeing from other conflict zones; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14715/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra777. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the legal entitlements of refugees from Ukraine under the Temporary Protection Directive; if a comparison of these entitlements with previous European Union refugee programmes will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14913/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 773 and 777 together.
The EU Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC) establishes the minimum standards for giving temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons from third countries who are unable to return to their country of origin. It can only activated in specific circumstances by an EU Council Decision.
Section 60 of the International Protection Act 2015 gives effect to the Directive in national law.
On 4 March, the Council of EU agreed to activate the Temporary Protection Directive following a proposal from the European Commission. This proposal was informed by its assessment of the situation in Ukraine and the scale of the movements of displaced persons, and the advisability of establishing temporary protection, based on information from Member States, UNHCR and other relevant international organisations. It is the first time that the Directive has been activated since it was introduced.
The Council Decision places specific obligations on Ireland and on all EU Member States, including the duration of the temporary protection to be awarded and the State supports and services that the beneficiary should be entitled to. This includes the right to seek employment or self-employment, access to suitable accommodation, access to primary and post primary education, access to medical care, and any necessary assistance in terms of social welfare if the person does not have sufficient resources.
As this is the first occasion on which a Council Decision under Article 5 of Directive 2001/55/EC has been made, no similar EU refugee programmes exist. Therefore, it is not possible to establish comparisons.
