Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 May 2025
459. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the reason most provided by the 948 applications for international protection from Ukrainian nationals from 1 March 2022 to 19 May 2025 as to why they did not choose to be treated under the process provided for under the EU Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28503/25]
View answerIt is a central priority for myself, my Department and this Government that our immigration laws are robust and enforced.
To be granted temporary protection, Ukrainian nationals must meet the criteria set out in the EU Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC).
Temporary protection in Ireland applies to the following groups of people who have had to flee Ukraine due to the invasion by Russia:
a) Ukrainian nationals who were residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022;
b) Nationals of a third country (other than Ukraine) or a stateless person who would have benefited from international protection (for example: Refugee status) or an equivalent national protection status in Ukraine and were residing there before 24 February 2022;
c) Family members of persons covered by a) and b), where their family already existed in Ukraine, prior to 24 February.
Family members include a spouse or partner, unmarried minor children of either of them, and their other close dependent family relatives who have been living with them as part of the family unit before 24 February 2022.
Where an individual may not qualify under Temporary Protection, they may instead decide to apply for International Protection.
Whilst I cannot speak to the reasons all Ukrainian nationals decide to apply for international protection, I can assure the Deputy that their applications are examined fully and individually on their merits.
