Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 8, inclusive, together. The Cabinet committee on accommodation and supports for Ukrainian refugees oversees the whole-of-Government humanitarian response to supporting people from Ukraine who have sought temporary protection here.

The Cabinet committee had its first meeting on Thursday, 12 May, when it considered the latest position on the number of people from Ukraine who have arrived here seeking protection and the accommodation and services being provided to them. Membership of the Cabinet committee includes the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment; the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications; the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage; the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth; the Minister for Social Protection; the Minister for Foreign Affairs; and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Other Ministers will attend the Cabinet committee as required.

In addition to the members of the Cabinet committee, the Minister for Justice also attended the meeting on 12 May.

To date, more than 30,000 people have arrived in Ireland fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Emergency and short-term accommodation for these people is being provided through the international protection accommodation service, IPAS, and over 18,000 Ukrainian arrivals are currently being accommodated by the State. The support of the Irish Red Cross and many other charities and NGOs is an essential part of the national effort. The cross-Government response is ensuring that people arriving into temporary protection are provided with access to social welfare, accommodation, health and education supports as required.

Yesterday, Government agreed that a €400 monthly recognition payment would be made to those who provide accommodation for those fleeing the war in Ukraine to acknowledge the generosity of Irish hosts. The Cabinet committee will meet again in the coming weeks.

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