Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 March 2022
90. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will deploy consular staff from his Department along the Ukrainian borders with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Moldova and Romania to support refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine. [15036/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am extremely concerned by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, where Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked attack is causing immense suffering. I recall that this House's support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is unanimous and unwavering. My Department will continue to work closely with colleagues across Government to ensure a coordinated national response.
My Department's Consular staff are assigned to deal with Irish citizens and there are currently minimal numbers of Irish citizens arriving at borders. Support for refugees is provided by humanitarian workers including those from the UN system, the Red Cross Movement and local NGOs, coordinated with local government administrations in each of the border countries. My Department has already put together a €20 million Irish Aid humanitarian package enabling humanitarian organisations on the ground to provide life-saving assistance to the people of Ukraine.
The EU agreed on the 4 March 2022 to activate the Temporary Protection Directive. This allows for beneficiaries to receive the support and protection of the Irish State through a 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 are entitled to access employment and State supports including accommodation, healthcare and social welfare on the same basis as Irish Nationals. The Decision sets out the categories to which the Directive should apply i.e. to Ukrainian nationals who had been residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022 and their family members. The Decision also applies to stateless persons, and nationals of third countries, who benefitted from international protection or equivalent national protection in Ukraine before 24 February 2022 and who have been displaced from Ukraine on or after 24 February 2022, plus their family members. Third Country Nationals and Stateless persons with permanent residence permits granted by the Ukrainian authorities who cannot return safely to country or region of origin, are also eligible for Temporary Protection.
