Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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633. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of persons still in Afghanistan awaiting assistance from the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63414/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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A total of 108 Irish citizens and their dependents have been assisted in evacuating Afghanistan since the crisis broke in mid-August. My Department, including our Embassies in Abu Dhabi and Ankara, has worked with EU Member States and partners in the region to support the ongoing evacuation efforts.

Work is ongoing to support the small number of Irish citizens and their dependents, less than 10, as well as residents, who remain in Afghanistan and wish to leave in the coming period. 

Separately, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth administers the Irish Refugee Protection Programme. Over 500 Afghan nationals have been granted refugee status under this Programme, with 412 having returned safely to Ireland. My Department has provided support, including through our Embassy network, in securing safe passage to Ireland for a number of these.