Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 March 2022
232. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the anticipated full extent to which Ireland might be in a position to address the issue of refugees from Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15696/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRussia’s unjustified and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine continues to cause immense suffering and has forced millions of people, mostly women and children, to flee their homes and their country.
Every part of Government is working intensely to respond to what has been the fastest growing refugee crisis since World War Two. The Department of Taoiseach is coordinating the response across all relevant domestic stakeholders, including with the Department of Justice, the Department of Housing, the Department of Social Protection, and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
My Department will continue to work closely with colleagues across Government as part of this coordinated national response. The Department is also working to ensure the delivery of the €20 million in humanitarian aid which is already being disbursed through our partners in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.
On 4 March 2022 the EU agreed to activate the Temporary Protection Directive which allows for beneficiaries to receive the support and protection of the Irish State through a quick and streamlined process. Such people have protection status for up to a year (with a possibility of extension where appropriate so overall period would not exceed three years), and would be entitled to access employment and State supports including, accommodation, healthcare and social welfare on the same basis as Irish Nationals.
Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Moldova have received more than 3.5 million refugees and demonstrated tremendous solidarity and generosity. The humanity and the effectiveness of their response has been outstanding. The burden needs to be shared equitably amongst EU Member States and the Government is committed to ensuring that Ireland plays its part.
