International Protection

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2022

Tuesday, 11 October 2022

Ceisteanna (153, 158)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

153. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he will provide a schedule of the number of staff by grade who are assigned on a full-time basis to liaise and provide support to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in order for that Department to fulfil its areas of responsibility in respect of providing for the needs of those seeking international protection and persons categorised by virtue of the temporary protection directive of the European Union; and if he will provide a schedule of the services that his Department provides to the Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in that regard. [50458/22]

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

158. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Taoiseach if there is an interdepartmental working group in place to facilitate the accommodation, education, health, social and community care and supports needed to facilitate the integration of Ukrainian citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49824/22]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 158 together.

The whole of government humanitarian response to the situation in Ukraine is being led at senior level across Government at a national and local level.

The national co-ordination of the Government’s response is led by the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation and Supports for Ukrainian Refugees which I chair.

The work of the Cabinet Committee is underpinned by a Senior Officials Group on the Humanitarian Response and related sub-groups which meet on a regular basis.

The Senior Officials Group involves the key departments and agencies who are involved in providing accommodation and a range of supports, including measures to promote integration, to people fleeing from Ukraine who are availing of Temporary Protection here.

The Social Policy Division in my Department provides secretariat to the Cabinet Committee and also chairs the Senior Officials Group and related sub-groups.