Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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779. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will address a matter (details supplied). [20859/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Over 5 million people have fled Ukraine since Russia’s further, large-##scale invasion began on 24 February.

With our partners in the international community, Ireland is resolute in our solidarity and support for Ukraine.  Ireland has welcomed over 25,000 people fleeing the war in Ukraine to date.  Ireland, along with other EU Member States, activated the Temporary Protection Directive to offer immediate and effective assistance, and clear legal status to those fleeing Ukraine. 

I visited Poland last month to meet Polish Foreign Minister, Zbigniew Rau, and speak to humanitarian organisations on the ground assisting those fleeing the war.  Earlier this month I visited Kyiv and Bucha, to meet Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov, and to see for myself the horror the war has brought to Ukraine and its people.

Ireland has provided €20 million in humanitarian aid which is being disbursed through UN (including UNHCR) and NGO partners in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries, including Poland.

While I recognise the work being undertaken on a voluntary basis by some individuals, the Government does not have a role in terms of voluntary operations in another country. Our assistance in response to the Ukraine crisis is being provided through international organisations, accredited NGOs as well as through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism. 

Matters relating to the UNHCR operation on the ground should be addressed to the UNHCR directly.