Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 203: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of programme refugees to be accepted by Ireland in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5084/09]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I take it that the Deputy is referring to the Government's Decision of November 2005 to accept 200 persons per year for resettlement.

My Office is currently working with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to arrange for the transfer to Ireland of 198 refugees accepted for resettlement in Ireland under the 2008 Quota. Their arrival has been delayed for logistical reasons.

My Office is also very actively involved in supporting the local authorities and service providers at both national and local level as they prepare to receive and integrate these refugees into the local community. No decision has yet been taken in regard to the 2009 programme.