Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

167. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she has committed to establishing a reception centre for refugees at Shannon airport similar to the one established at Dublin Airport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15245/22]

Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

168. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the reception centre for refugees at Shannon airport will become operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15246/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 168 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the EU Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC) has been activated in response to the Ukraine crisis. Ireland participates in this measure, which is given legal effect under Section 60 of the International Protection Act 2015.

Those eligible for Temporary Protection (granted initially for one year, but renewable) will have immediate access to the labour market, social welfare, accommodation and other State supports as necessary. A whole-of-Government response is being mobilised to implement the practical arrangements to give effect to these commitments.

My Department is responsible for immigration controls and permissions at Dublin Airport. Immigration duties at all other airports and ports of entry to the State are the responsibility of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).

So far, approximately 85 per cent of people who have entered the State having fled Ukraine have been welcomed at Dublin Airport. Shannon Airport currently accounts for approximately 4 per cent of all arrivals.

As a result of the large numbers of Ukrainians arriving via Dublin Airport beneficiaries of temporary protection are being provided with their permission letter on arrival in the 'one-stop-shop' established by my Department for that purpose, to ensure early access to all necessary supports.

Arrangements have also now been put in place to provide permission letters to those who arrived at Dublin Airport prior to 9 March (when permission letters started to issue) and to those who have arrived at other ports of entry to the State, including Shannon Airport.

For people who are staying in State provided accommodation, staff from my Department are visiting these accommodation locations and will provide permission letters there.

Alternatively, permission letters can be obtained by visiting the Ukraine Support Centre in Cork Street, Dublin 8. There, people can also receive assistance from the Department of Social Protection to obtain PPSN numbers, social welfare income supports, and to receive referrals to other State services.

Arrangements are also being put in place that will allow people to obtain their permission letters from the Ukraine Support Centre in Hanover Street in Cork City and from the third Support Centre that will open shortly in Limerick and is intended to serve the midwest area, including Shannon.

Further details on this will be announced shortly.

Over 5,800 temporary protection permission letters have been issued by my Department since the EU Directive was activated on 4 March.

Representatives from the Citizens Information Service are also available in the Ukraine Support Centres to help people from Ukraine with enquiries of a more general nature. Community Welfare Officers are also present to assist with applications for financial support. Interpretation services are available at the Centres.

Any person arriving from Ukraine can also attend any of the Department’ of Social Protection's Intreo Centres, located around the country, to register for a PPS Number and apply for income supports.

A centralised Government information portal is available at: www.gov.ie/ukraine, which is regularly updated. My Department’s Irish Immigration website also contains a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, which can be viewed at: www.irishimmigration.ie/faqs-for-ukraine-nationals-and-residents-of-ukraine/.