Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the activation of the EU Temporary Protection Directive is an emergency provision designed to quickly and humanely respond to the mass displacement of Ukrainian people by Russian aggression. Ireland participates in this EU measure, which is given legal effect under section 60 of the International Protection Act 2015.

Those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine and who meet the criteria set out in the Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/382) are eligible for this temporary protection, initially for one year and on a renewable basis, as long as the Temporary Protection Directive remains activated.

Applicants must provide some proof of identity and proof of residency in Ukraine prior to 24 February 2022 in order to meet the criteria. This proof can take many forms including evidence of address.

Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection in the State are managed under an entirely separate process to an application for international protection under the International Protection Act 2015.

There is no requirement for Ukrainian nationals who are eligible for temporary protection to seek international protection to receive the support and protection of the State. While a person can, of course, always apply for international protection they cannot benefit from temporary protection at the same time.

A Ukrainian that was not living in the Ukraine prior to the outbreak of war and is therefore not eligible for Temporary Protection can make an application for international protection.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, 86,915 people have been granted Temporary Protection and a total of 500 people have claimed international protection in Ireland having fled Ukraine (this figure includes both Ukrainian citizens and Third Country Nationals who had been living in Ukraine at the outbreak of the war).

I can also assure the Deputy that my Government colleagues and I will continue to work with our EU counterparts on any further EU-wide measures that might be needed to assist those fleeing Ukraine.

*Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.