Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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117. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the Ukraine contingency fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5606/23]

Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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122. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he anticipates a further allocation from the remaining €1.2 billion reserve, following the draw-down of €1.5 billion from the €2.77 billion held in reserve in budget 2023 for additional non-core supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5717/23]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 122 together.

Welcoming and providing humanitarian supports to refugees from Ukraine has been a key priority for Government. A range of supports have been put in place for those arriving in Ireland. Budget 2023 made provision for up to €2 billion in voted non-core expenditure to continue this response.

In Budget 2023 initial Ukraine related allocations of €0.1 billion were made to Departments. An additional €1.4 billion was allocated in the Revised Estimates in December 2022 for Ukraine related spending. Allocations were based on an assessment of arrivals, an assessment of costs incurred at that point and assumptions regarding demographics and service usage. The largest allocation of €0.8 billion was to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Youth and Integration. This funding largely provided for accommodation provision. In addition, almost half a billion was provided to the Department of Social Protection for social welfare supports, with smaller allocations to other Departments.

Together with the allocations at the time of Budget 2023 and a Further Revised Estimate in January, this brings the total amount of Ukraine related allocations to over €1½ billion. The Vote Groups which this funding has been allocated to are set out in the table below.

*The Rural and Community Development allocation took place following a January Further Revised Estimate for the Community Solidarity and Recognition Fund.

This leaves a balance of €0.4 billion remaining unallocated for any additional Ukraine related costs arising over 2023. The extent to which additional costs will arise will depend on number of arrivals, demographics, use of services and length of stay. Ukraine related expenditure is subject to ongoing review and all Departments are required to report monthly on the level of spend on Ukraine supports to my Department.

In addition to this remaining Ukraine-related amount, other non-core funding of some €0.8 billion remains held centrally. This relates to other non-core expenditure, including for the Brexit Adjustment Reserve and Covid-19. This funding will be allocated to Departments during 2023 as required.