Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Temporary Protection Directive – which provides immediate protection in EU countries for people displaced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine – was extended to March 2025 at a meeting of the European Council last September. I wish to acknowledge again the enormous goodwill and welcome shown by communities across the country to those who have arrived. The Government will continue to support communities in their efforts to assist and integrate those fleeing the conflict.

Discussions on the options for what happens post March 2025 are ongoing, both within the Government and at an EU level, in recognition of the need for certainty for beneficiaries of temporary protection in the EU when the Directive is no longer active.

However, at this point in time, it is too early to say with certainty what arrangements will be in place in March 2025. The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot pre-empt future discussions and decisions of either the EU or the Government. I expect, however, that the prevailing conditions in Ukraine will be a significant influence on any decisions taken, and these clearly remain highly uncertain.

The Government supports the strong call from EU Member States for a harmonised approach to Temporary Protection post March 2025, beyond a merely coordinated approach. Such an approach is needed to avoid overburdening national international protection systems, which was a key factor in the decision to activate the Temporary Protection Directive in response to the war in Ukraine.

As of 14 April 2024, a total of 106,038 people have been granted temporary protection in Ireland.

Finally, I can assure the Deputy that beneficiaries of Temporary Protection continue to avail of the protections that the Directive provides.