Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 June 2022
145. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the plans to accommodate in Ireland the 500 vulnerable Ukrainian refugees who fled to Moldova as was announced by Government in March 2022; the number who have arrived in Ireland to date; when they arrived; the locations in which they are being provided accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33147/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine on February 24, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) continues to work as part of the whole-of-Government response with a focus on meeting the immediate, temporary accommodation needs of those fleeing the conflict.
My Department is focused on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here. To date, more than 35,000 people have arrived in Ireland and just in excess of 25,000 of those have been referred to this Department seeking accommodation from the State.
Ireland has pledged to take 500 Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs) from Moldova. The process of identifying BOTPs interested in relocating to Ireland is being managed by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Moldova. My Department and the Department of Justice are working with the UNHCR and IOM to finalise arrangements for these refugees to come to Ireland and to be accommodated here. 19 refugees have now arrived in Ireland, with a further 5 due to travel here shortly.
