Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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204. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the legal basis on which non-means-tested benefits are being provided to Ukrainian nationals in a manner that appears to contravene the provisions of the International Protection Act 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38334/24]

Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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205. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to explain, in terms of non-means-tested benefits being provided to Ukrainian nationals, how the Government justifies this preferential treatment, which results in unequal and potentially discriminatory treatment of Irish citizens, who contribute to the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38336/24]

Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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206. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to explain, in terms of non-means-tested benefits being provided to Ukrainian nationals, what steps will be taken to rectify this disparity and ensure that there is equality of access to supports for all; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38338/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 204, 205 and 206 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the EU Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC) was activated by the EU Council in March 2022 in response to the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The Directive establishes the minimum standards of protection to be provided by Member States in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons from third countries who are unable to return to their country of origin. 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.

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. The Directive places specific obligations on all EU Member States, including Ireland, regarding the state supports and services Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BoTPs) should receive. These include accommodation, access to the labour market, and social welfare support. In Ireland, the Directive is given legal effect under Section 60 of the International Protection Act 2015, which provides, among other things, that BoTPs are entitled to receive, subject to the same conditions as Irish citizens, the same social welfare benefits as Irish citizens, except where they are resident in a designated accommodation centre.

The provision of specific social welfare or other supports to BoTPs does not fall under the remit of my Department.