I propose to take Questions Nos. 84, 91, 107 and 145 together.
Moldova’s response to the Ukraine crisis, in particular its hosting of large numbers of refugees, is remarkable. Minister Coveney discussed Ireland’s assistance to Moldova on several occasions, including at the Support Conference for Moldova on 5 April and in his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Popescu in the margins of FAC on 11 April.
Ireland is supporting Moldova through the Irish Aid programme. One quarter of the €20 million humanitarian package has been allocated to the UNHCR Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRP) for neighbouring countries hosting Ukrainian refugees, 22% of which is earmarked for Moldova. The total RRP to date is over €1.7 billion.
In addition, a dedicated €1 million in Irish Aid funding supports UNHCR’s work specifically in Moldova. Irish Aid has also provided €1.5 million to UNFPA, whose work in Moldova focuses on the protection of women and girls.
Many of Ireland’s humanitarian partners are expanding their activities to support the Moldovan government’s response to the crisis. Last week, I announced that €500,000 will be awarded to Plan International as part of Irish Aid’s Civil Society Fund for Ukraine, which includes support to Moldova. Irish Aid has also granted €1 million to the International Federation of the Red Cross, which works through the Moldovan Red Cross.
Ireland provides humanitarian assistance through trusted humanitarian agencies to deliver aid quickly. This is done in coordination with central and local governments. We encourage our long-standing UN partners to also use prepositioned funding from Ireland to respond to the situation in Ukraine and neighbouring countries like Moldova.
Together the EU and its Member States have provided nearly a combined €1 billion in humanitarian assistance for Ukraine. The European Commission’s revised Humanitarian Implementation Plan (HIP) includes support to the RRP and additional funding of €13 million to Moldova.
Ireland has committed to receive up to 500 Ukrainian refugees from Moldova and my Department is working with the Departments of Justice and of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for the transfer of the first group in the coming weeks.