Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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418. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Ukrainian refugees who have transferred or sought a transfer to Ireland from another EU country having originally sought protection in that country; the country from which they have transferred or sought a transfer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32140/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can advise that the Deputy that in accordance with the Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/382, those fleeing the war in Ukraine are entitled to apply for Temporary Protection in any EU Member State and are not obliged to formally obtain a transfer of their permission when seeking to move from one Member State to another.

In this regard, if someone fleeing the war in Ukraine has already claimed Temporary Protection in another EU Member State, they remain eligible for Temporary Protection in Ireland provided that they meet the criteria set out in the above Decision, which are:

1.Ukrainian nationals who were residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022;

2.Nationals of a third country (other than Ukraine) or a stateless person who would have benefited from international protection or an equivalent national protection status in Ukraine and were residing there before 24 February 2022;

3.Family members of persons covered by a) and b), where their family already existed in Ukraine, prior to 24 February 2022.

Officials in my Department will assess an applicant’s situation and make a decision on whether or not they are eligible for Temporary Protection according to the above criteria. While applicants have in the main not registered previously in another Member State, figures for the numbers who have done so are not currently readily available.