Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 March 2022
90. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice if she agreed on behalf of Ireland with the decision that non-Ukrainian citizens affected by the Russian invasion cannot avail of the visa-free access to the European Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16221/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIf I understand the Deputy correctly, he is referring to the activation by the EU of the Temporary Protection Directive.
The Directive has been activated for the first time, with the unanimous agreement of all Member States, in response to the Ukraine crisis. Ireland participates in this measure, which has been 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.Under the Council Implementing Decision (EU 2022/382), those who have fled Ukraine can avail of a temporary protection to reside in Ireland if they meet one of the following criteria:
a) They are a Ukrainian national who was residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022;
b) They are a national of a third country (other than Ukraine) or a stateless person who would have benefited from international protection (for example: Refugee status) or an equivalent national protection status in Ukraine and were residing there before 24 February 2022;
c) They are a family member of persons covered by a) and b), where their family already existed in Ukraine, prior to 24 February.
Family members include a spouse or partner, unmarried minor children of either of them, and their other close dependent family relatives who have been living with them as part of the family unit.Temporary protection also applies to people who were residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022 with a permanent Ukrainian residence permit, who cannot safely return to their country of origin. Other people who were legally residing in Ukraine without a permanent residence permit will be assisted to return to their country of origin, if it is safe for them to do so.I can assure the Deputy that my Government colleagues and I will continue to work with our EU counterparts on any further EU-wide measures that might be needed to assist those fleeing Ukraine.
Given the very extreme pressures being faced by Moldova in the current circumstances, the Government has agreed, as part of an EU response, to offer to accept from Moldova up to 500 people who have fled the war in Ukraine.
