Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2022
483. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection the average processing time for a PPS number for Syrian, Afghani, Yazidi and Ukrainian programme refugees, respectively, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24140/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not collect data on PPSN processing times by nationality or ethnicity.
The European Union has activated the Temporary Protection Directive, as an emergency provision in response to the war in Ukraine. The Directive, which is effective from 24 February 2022, allows Ukrainian citizens and others fleeing Ukraine to move through the EU and receive supports.
Reception facilities have been established at Dublin Airport, where officials from my Department, together with the Departments of Justice, and Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, are available to meet arrivals from Ukraine and provide the relevant information and supports. Dedicated City Centre Ukraine Support Centres have also been established in Dublin, Cork and Limerick.
My Department's main aim is to provide immediate financial assistance. A Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) is required to access social welfare supports and other public services; a fast-track approach is in operation to ensure those who arrive in Dublin Airport from Ukraine are allocated a PPSN for those purposes. Those who arrive through other airports and ports are invited to call into their nearest Intreo or local social welfare office to apply for a PPSN. As of Thursday 12 May my Department has allocated over 30,800 PPSNs to people who have fled Ukraine.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
