I propose to take Questions Nos. 708, 709 and 710 together.
I have received government approval for measures to transition Ukraine Accommodation Supports and Temporary Protection.
The measures have been approved by government, in line with the EU Council recommendation for a co-ordinated approach to transition people out of Temporary Protection across the EU. However, it is important to note that temporary protection is still active. Ireland will continue to support people from Ukraine under temporary protection, to include those who are vulnerable or have barriers to independence.
The Government decision of 26 November 2025 approved legislative changes to clarify Ireland’s citizenship and asylum rules surrounding temporary permissions in Ireland to include those who are residing in Ireland on the basis of Temporary Protection. The timing and impact of the exclusion of time spent under Temporary Protection from the calculation of reckonable residence will be carefully considered alongside the provision to be made in Ireland and other EU Member States for persons moving from Temporary Protection to other residence permissions or return arrangements.
In recognition of the valuable contribution many people who have come from Ukraine since the outbreak of the war have made, Ireland will introduce an alternative permission to live and work here.
This permission will be granted for a period of up to two years, renewable for periods of two years thereafter, with time on the permission counting towards naturalisation. Eligibility criteria will apply, including a requirement to be earning a minimum of €29,432 per year, have independent accommodation, and be resident in Ireland for a period of one year as a beneficiary of temporary protection prior to the opening of the application process. More information on these criteria can be found at [Ukraine Updates (EN)].
An applicant must demonstrate that they have been in employment or self-employment for a period of six months prior to the application and demonstrate that they will earn an annual gross salary of €29,432.
While equality, human rights and socio-economic impacts are taken into consideration during policy development, it is important to note that the alternative permission is not intended to replace Temporary Protection, but to provide an alternative permission for those who are eligible and who wish to remain in Ireland beyond its protection. Persons who are unable to satisfy the eligibility criteria will continue to be entitled to and benefit from the Temporary Protection Status while the Temporary Protection Directive remains in effect.
Additionally, the Government has approved the phase out of State-funded accommodation that has been provided to people from Ukraine who arrived pre–March 2024 and have been in receipt of accommodation on an ongoing basis.
Ireland’s State-funded accommodation model for people from Ukraine is in excess of that offered across the EU and is in excess of what is available to other people living in Ireland.
The changes to the accommodation model will be introduced on a phased basis, with information and support provided to residents.
Ongoing supports for people with particular circumstances that would make it difficult for them to manage in independent accommodation will be provided.
Individuals will be asked to self-declare their need for continued accommodation and provide evidence to support such a requirement, by providing documentary evidence of their circumstances.
There are about 16,000 people in commercial State-supported accommodation and over 40,000 people in subsidised accommodation in private homes. ?
The number of people who fled the war in Ukraine living in State-provided accommodation has reduced considerably over recent years, as people source their own accommodation or move away. The Government has actively supported these moves to independence and greater integration.
Temporary protection is in place until March 2027. Further extensions of the application of this Directive in respect of the war in Ukraine are being considered and will be agreed at EU level. Beneficiaries of temporary protection will remain entitled to this protection while the Directive is in effect.
Ireland is not currently implementing a voluntary returns programme to Ukraine. Subject to proposals at the EU-level, my department will support the development of a voluntary return and reintegration programme for beneficiaries who wish to return to Ukraine, subject to safety conditions.
Coordinated work between my department, Irish Red Cross, the International Organisation for Migration and other relevant advocates and stakeholders will ensure that individuals can make decisions about their future options in Ireland with as much clarity as possible.
