Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Based on the information supplied it has unfortunately not been possible identify records for either person referred to by the Deputy.

If they have not yet received their Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) letter they should visit a Ukraine Support Centre. There are currently 3 Ukraine Support Centres in Dublin, Limerick and Cork. They are at the following locations:

• Citywest Hotel, Gartner Ln, Saggart, Co Dublin, D24 KF8A – Open 7 days a week from 08:00hrs to 20:00hrs (8am to 8pm). The Citywest facility may be contacted at: UkraineSupportMailbox@justice.ie
• 2nd Floor, Riverstone House, 23-27 Henry Street, Limerick City, V94 R7YE
• Cork City PSC and PPSN Centre, Department of Social Protection, Hanover Street, Cork, T12 PX62

Contact numbers and opening hours are available at the following link:

www.gov.ie/en/publication/abf3e-social-welfare-supports-for-ukrainian-citizens-arriving-in-ireland-under-the-temporary-protection-directive/#.

Applicants will need to bring their identity documents and proof of residency in Ukraine prior to 24/02/2022 in order to meet the criteria.

I can also advise the Deputy that EU Council Implementing Decision 2022/382 applied the provisions of the Temporary Protection Directive to persons displaced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, including persons recognised as refugees in Ukraine. At a meeting of EU Home Affairs Ministers on 13 June 2024, political agreement was reached to extend the Temporary Protection Directive until March 2026.

Discussions on the arrangements for beneficiaries of Temporary Protection, when the Directive is no longer active, are ongoing, both within the Government and at an EU level, in recognition of the need for certainty for beneficiaries of temporary protection in the EU. These discussions include the residency conditions for beneficiaries of Temporary Protection when the Directive is no longer active in March 2026. The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot pre-empt future discussions and decisions of either the EU or the Government.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956. All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Section 15 of the Act sets out the statutory conditions that must be fulfilled for a certificate of naturalisation to be granted. The conditions include that applicants must have 5 years reckonable residence in the State prior to making an application. There is no exemption from these requirements for beneficiaries of Temporary Protection in Ireland.

Detailed information on Irish citizenship and the naturalisation process, along with the relevant application forms and guidance notes, is available on my Department's Irish Immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/.