Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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1233. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to resettle refugees in Ireland currently in Greek migrant camps including child refugees; if the number of refugees from this region to be resettled can be increased to 400; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19179/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The Government pledge of last October to resettle up to 50 people from Lesvos was in addition to the commitment that Ireland had already made with the UNHCR to resettle 2,900 refugees to Ireland between 2020 and 2023.

12 Families have been accepted by Ireland for resettlement, subject to any assessment, security or otherwise to be undertaken.

My Department is working with the Greek authorities and other relevant stakeholders to effect their relocation to Ireland as soon as possible, with due regard to Covid-19 protocols and restrictions.

In Budget 2021, I secured an additional €5m to support Tusla in providing dedicated services to accelerate the intake of the remaining unaccompanied refugee children in Greece to whom we have committed. Tusla have developed a range of accommodation options to receive and provide specialist care for the children.

Tusla are ready to receive these children as soon as they can travel safely. Tusla and my Department are working with the Greek authorities and the HSE to progress the safest travel and relocation options as soon as possible, within the scope of current travel and quarantine restrictions.