Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

274. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the additional resources that are being provided to Rosslare Port in response to, and in order to support, the growing number of persons seeking asylum arriving there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18280/22]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In line with EU wide arrangements, the Government is fully committed to delivering a comprehensive humanitarian response to refugees who arrive in Ireland seeking protection having had to flee the war in Ukraine. Over the last number of weeks, the number of Ukrainian refugees arriving into Rosslare on ferry services from Cherbourg have been steadily rising from about 30 to around 200 at present. As a result of the increasing numbers, it was clear to the port authorities that new facilities were urgently required to provide for the care and comfort of refugees as they waited to be brought to suitable accommodation, while also meeting the needs of the various departments and agencies interacting with them on their arrival.

The Port authorities therefore obtained the agreement of the Revenue Commissioners to vacate, on a temporary basis, an area normally used by them to facilitate the location of a mobile hub “one stop shop” for the processing of Ukrainian refugees arriving into Ireland seeking safety and support. The Revenue Commissioners relocated their operation to their other facilities just outside the port at Kilrane.

Following a request for assistance on 24th March from the Department of Transport, officials from the Office of Public Works immediately visited the site and identified an appropriate solution involving the installation of a large Marquee, a portacabin and toilet facilities. The installation of these units commenced on Sunday 27th of March and the works were completed last weekend. As a result, new arrivals, predominantly women and children, can now access suitable facilities at the port to meet with relevant officials from a number of organisations to quickly complete the immigration process and immediately apply for access to relevant services. The facility also contains an open lounge area with seating for 110 people, which will be manned by a humanitarian team. Refugees will be provided with food and drinks and can also access a storage area where they can select essential items such as clothes, sanitary items and toys for the children provided by charities and local communities before being brought to their assigned accommodation. In addition to the main space two adjacent tents are being managed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with vets available to examine any pets coming through. Toilets are also available just outside the marquee.

These facilities will ensure that refugees can be provided with temporary protection and immediate access to essential services on arrival in a timely and efficient fashion with minimal delay after a long and arduous journey to reach Ireland.

The cost of the installation of this new infrastructure, including the initial month’s rental payment, is €165,000. The overall cost will depend on how long it is necessary to keep these units in place which is dependent on the flow of new arrivals at the port seeking international protection. While it is not possible to predict, with any degree of certainty, the likely numbers over the coming months, I can assure the Deputy that the government is fully committed to maintaining these services at the port for as long as they are needed. The overall cost that would arise if the facilities remain in place for the rest of the year is estimated at €650,000 inclusive of the initial installation cost.