Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 June 2022
32. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress that has taken place with regard to the cohort of UNHCR refugees based in Lebanon and Jordan that have been awaiting travel to Ireland for some time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28458/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the 18 May 2022, the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) welcomed 76 refugees from Lebanon, following selection missions there in September 2021 and Jordan in November 2021.
Arrangements are already underway to ensure that the remaining refugees selected as part of the these missions will arrive over the coming months. This process will bring the number of arriving Syrian refugees to approximately 528 in 2022, ahead of further selection missions later this year.
The timeline for the arrival of these programme refugees will remain dependent on the issuing of necessary travel documentation and ensuring appropriate supports and accommodation are in place in Ireland. As the Deputy will appreciate, the demand for accommodation to accommodate Ukrainian refugees is having an impact on the capacity of my Department and of local authorities to source the necessary accommodation for programme refugees under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme.
