Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. In March 2022, the European Council adopted unanimously the implementing decision regarding the temporary protection directive, due to the mass influx of persons fleeing Ukraine as a consequence of the war. People arriving from Ukraine have been granted the status to avail of income supports from my Department under the directive. In October 2023, the EU Council agreed to extend the period of temporary protection to March 2025. Discussions on the options for when temporary protection is due to expire in 2025 are ongoing, both within the Government and at an EU level, in recognition of the need for certainty for beneficiaries of temporary protection in the EU.

It is very clear that the prevailing conditions in Ukraine will be an important factor in any decisions taken. In light of the ongoing discussions at EU level, it would be premature to speculate at this distance on what arrangements might be put in place post March 2025, and as a result what the social welfare entitlements will be for those who have been granted temporary protection. However, the Government supports the strong call from EU member states for a harmonised approach to temporary protection post March 2025. My Department has an excellent track record in reacting quickly and appropriately to emergency situations, as was clear from its response to the Covid and Ukrainian crises. I can assure the Deputy that my Department will not be found lacking in its response to any planned changes and will continue to liaise with other Departments on this matter.

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