Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 September 2024
69. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Justice the legal basis on which additional, non-means-tested benefits are being provided to Ukrainian nationals in a manner that exceeds the provisions of the International Protection Act 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37990/24]
View answer70. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Justice how the Government justifies preferential treatment through the means of additional benefits to Ukrainian nationals, which results in the unequal and discriminatory treatment of an Irish citizen who has contributed to the State over many years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37991/24]
View answer71. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Justice the measures that will be implemented to rectify a disparity (details supplied) and ensure that Irish citizens are not disadvantaged in their own country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37992/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 69, 70 and 71 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.
