Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 March 2022
151. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Justice if she will report on the work of her Department in assisting persons from Ukraine who have arrived in Ireland through Shannon airport in particular the status of the persons affected by the Russian invasion. [16257/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the EU Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC) has been activated in response to the Ukraine crisis. Ireland participates in this measure, which is given legal effect under Section 60 of the International Protection Act 2015.
Those eligible for Temporary Protection (granted initially for one year, but renewable) will have immediate access to the labour market, social welfare, accommodation and other State supports as necessary. A whole-of-Government response is being mobilised to implement the practical arrangements to give effect to these commitments.
My Department is responsible for immigration controls and permissions at Dublin Airport. Immigration duties at all other airports and ports of entry to the State are the responsibility of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
So far, approximately 85 per cent of people who have entered the State having fled Ukraine have been welcomed at Dublin Airport. Shannon Airport currently accounts for approximately 4 per cent of all arrivals.
As a result of the large numbers of Ukrainians arriving via Dublin Airport beneficiaries of temporary protection are being provided with their permission letter on arrival in the 'one-stop-shop' established by my Department for that purpose, to ensure early access to all necessary supports.
Arrangements have also now been put in place to provide permission letters to those who arrived at Dublin Airport prior to 9 March (when permission letters started to issue) and to those who have arrived at other ports of entry to the State, including Shannon Airport.
For people who are staying in State provided accommodation, staff from my Department are visiting these accommodation locations and will provide permission letters there.
Alternatively, permission letters can be obtained by visiting the Ukraine Support Centre in Cork Street, Dublin 8. There, people can also receive assistance from the Department of Social Protection to obtain PPSN numbers, social welfare income supports, and to receive referrals to other State services.
Arrangements are also being put in place that will allow people to obtain their permission letters from the Ukraine Support Centres in Hanover Street in Cork City and in Limerick, which is intended to serve the midwest area, including Shannon.
Further details on this will be announced shortly.
Almost 7,300 temporary protection permission letters have been issued by my Department since the EU Directive was activated on 4 March.
