Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 June 2022
163. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the financial supports that are available to a family (details supplied) that is caring for an unaccompanied Ukrainian child who fled the war in Ukraine leaving their parents behind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31285/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the outbreak of the war in Ukraine on 24 February, and the invoking of the temporary protection Directive by the European Union shortly afterwards, my Department has worked intensively as part of the cross-governmental response to the Ukraine crisis.
The operational challenges brought about by responding to the conflict are significant. Our country has never experienced an influx of displaced persons like the one that we have seen over the past four months. My Department’s role is focused on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here. To date, more than 34,000 people have arrived in Ireland and just in excess of 25,000 of those have been referred to us seeking accommodation from the State.
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has a significant role, as part of the State's overall response, to support children and families displaced from Ukraine, as a result of the war and coming into Ireland. Tusla is committed to balancing the needs of families in a humanitarian crisis, with its child protection responsibilities, and requirement to support families and promote the welfare of children.
Children under the age of eighteen who are outside their country of origin, who may be in need of international protection and are separated from their parents or their legal/customary care giver are considered as Separated Children seeking International Protection (SCSIP).
SCSIP who arrive at ports of ports of entry to Ireland are referred to Tusla for a child protection needs assessment. In the first instance, Tusla makes every attempt to contact relatives of the child and to reunite the child with family members or friends. If children cannot be reunified with family or friends, they are received into the care of Tusla.
In circumstances, as raised by the Deputy, whereby parents of the children fleeing the war, have made arrangements for their care with families in Ireland prior to their arrival are not in the care of the State. Nevertheless, such arrangements between the parents and the Irish hosts are noted by Tusla upon arrival of the child in Ireland. A follow up visit to the new home of the children is typically arranged. The children will be welcomed into their new temporary community and are typically provided with schooling and other services as part of the whole of Government response to the war in Ukraine.
Officials from both my Department and the Department of Social Protection (DSP) have had discussions to ensure that a joined up approach is being taken to supporting these cases. Efforts so far include gathering information on the available financial supports with a view to disseminating that information across relevant service networks within the Departments and to relevant organisations that work alongside the Departments.
In these circumstances a number of financial supports may be available through Departments including DSP to the hosts in recognition of their efforts to assist the separated Ukrainian family and in particular the children. The hosts may also be able to avail of the Government’s scheme which recognises those who have pledged accommodation to those Ukrainians fleeing the war in their home country.
The proposed scheme is intended to provide a flat fee of €400 per month to those providing accommodation to Ukrainians .
