Written Answers Nos. 52-72
52. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of the expenses paid to ministerial advisers in his Department in each of the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34950/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe cost of expenses paid to Ministerial advisers 2020 to date in 2024 (end July) are:
|
- |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 (To end July) |
|
Expenses Paid to Ministerial Advisers |
€15,263 |
€33,580 |
€23,413 |
€10,527 |
€4,645 |
Expenses for Ministerial advisers, are processed through the travel and subsistence system, in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform rules and procedures.
53. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he will take to protest against the ban on women's voices and bare faces in public imposed by the Taliban government in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34973/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recent laws introduced by the Taliban represent another truly shocking abuse of the human rights of women and girls in Afghanistan and I condemn them in the strongest terms.
The imposed dress code which orders women to cover their bodies and faces in public and the ban on women being heard in public constitute egregious abuses of their human rights, including the fundamental principle of non-discrimination and their right to freedom of expression. Other provisions in the laws undermine the right to due process and to freely practice one's religion.
On 26 August, Ireland joined other EU Member States in speaking out against these new provisions in a statement by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs on behalf of the EU. The statement outlined that such actions by the Taliban cannot be tolerated and urged the Taliban to end their systematic and systemic abuses against Afghan women and girls which may amount to gender persecution, a crime against humanity under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court to which Afghanistan is a State Party.
Ireland also consistently raises its voice in international fora, including the UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Council, to highlight the human rights situation in Afghanistan and condemn the oppression of and discrimination against women and girls. Those responsible for these abuses must be held accountable.
Through our work in the UN, EU and other fora, we will continue to highlight this appalling situation, give voice to the women of Afghanistan and advocate for their inclusion in decision making processes and global conversations relating to the rights of women and girls and the future of their country. I am looking forward to co-hosting such a discussion during this year's UN General Assembly High Level Week.
We must confront the gross human rights abuses carried out by the Taliban and call for the full reversal of the Taliban’s discriminatory and draconian decrees. Sustainable peace and a flourishing society are only possible when women and girls are included, and human rights are upheld.
54. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the up-to-date position in respect of an application for a passport (details supplied); if urgent steps can be taken to bring the matter to a successful conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34984/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, this application was cancelled on 6 August 2024 as it had expired.
The Passport Service initially requested further supporting documents from the applicant on 12 March 2024. Further supporting documents were received from the applicant on 09 July 2024 however, the application remained incomplete. The Passport Service has contacted the applicant directly in relation to their application. It is open to the applicant to apply again.
All passport applications are subject to the Passports Act, 2008 (as amended). For further information on this and the documents that are required to support passport applications, please see www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/documentary-requirements/.
55. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount his Department spent on purchasing State-owned vehicles for official business from Irish embassies and consulate general offices worldwide in the years 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; and the amount that was actually spent in the years 2022 and 2023, in tabular form. [35088/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs purchases motor vehicles to facilitate the efficient functioning and smooth operations of HQ and its Missions abroad. In particular, Mission staff are required to undertake a significant volume of travel in the performance of their official functions. This ranges from city journeys during the working day and in the evening, to long journeys of up to several hundred kilometres by road. In addition, there are can also be challenges related to limited availability of public transport, security considerations and location specific issues. Official vehicles also provide an important logistical support to Missions.
Motor vehicles are used for as long as they can be operated in a safe and efficient manner without excessive maintenance costs or substantial reduction in their trade-in value. In general, sanction to replace an official vehicle is given where is a business need for vehicle; where there are security, safety or environmental considerations; or when the costs of maintenance or operating the vehicle are increasing to an extent that maintaining the vehicle is no longer economical. When sanctioning the purchase of vehicles for Missions abroad, consideration is given to the safety, security, environmental, climate, terrain, and specific issues which prevail in country.
Vehicle purchases must comply with the Department’s Green Foreign Ministry policy of minimising our carbon footprint. The Department is committed to procuring vehicles with a reduced environmental impact throughout their life-cycle and focuses on more fuel-efficient models. Factors like pollutant emissions, fuel efficiency and economy are taken into account when considering vehicle specifications. The procurement process initially reviews the feasibility of electric vehicles. Then it considers hybrid options and finally vehicles with low carbon emissions. It should be noted that some Missions operate in difficult environments where security and health and safety issues will be a significant factor when deciding on an official vehicle.
The following is a table showing the expenditure by the Department on official vehicles for the years 2022, 2023 and to date 2024.
|
Year |
Amounts Spent on Motor Vehicles |
|
2022 |
€764,087 |
|
2023 |
€965,459 |
|
To date 2024 (August) |
€283,261 |
56. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a US Navy Hercules KC130T (details supplied) was searched or investigated while at Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35149/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952, all foreign military aircraft wishing to overfly, or land in, the State require diplomatic clearance from the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Diplomatic clearance is subject to strict conditions, including that the aircraft is unarmed; that it carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it does not engage in intelligence gathering; and that the flight in question does not form part of a military exercise or operation.
This policy is well known and is fully understood by the United States and other international partners, and is done in full compliance with Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality.
With respect to the aircraft in question, I am satisfied that the correct diplomatic clearance procedure for foreign military landings with respect to the aircraft in question, was followed in full.
As the Deputy is aware, foreign military aircraft which are given permission to land in Ireland are not subject to inspection in this regard. Sovereign immunity, a long-standing principle of customary international law, means that a state may not exercise its jurisdiction in respect to another state or its property, including state and military aircraft. This principle applies automatically to foreign State or military aircraft in the same way that it applies to Irish State or military aircraft abroad.
57. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the most recent date he or his officials spoke directly with the Irish Consul General based in Sydney. [35178/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Consulate General in Sydney works closely with the Embassy of Ireland in Canberra to promote and protect Ireland's interests in Australia, to strengthen political and economic relationships, to support the work of the State Agencies, to provide citizen services to the Irish community, and to promote cultural ties and people-to-people connections between Ireland and Australia.
I am kept fully informed of the Consulate General’s activities by officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs, who are in almost daily communication with our Missions in Australia on a wide range of issues related to Ireland's engagement in and with Australia, including the work of the Consulate General in Sydney. These contacts are so frequent, it would not be logistically feasible to provide a comprehensive list of dates for these.
58. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on relations between Qatar and Ireland. [35202/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland enjoys good diplomatic and economic relations with the State of Qatar. Ambassador Milton in Abu Dhabi is accredited to Qatar, and presented her credentials to the Emir in May 2023. Ambassador Al Attiyah, who is based in London, represents Qatar in Ireland. There are now about two thousand Irish citizens registered as living in Qatar.
Qatar currently plays an important role in the conflict in the Middle East, including its efforts, alongside the US and Egypt, in facilitating ongoing negotiations on a ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Gaza and its engagement with Iran. I have discussed these and related issues on many occasions with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar
In 2022, the Qatari Minster of State for Foreign Affairs visited Dublin in February for political consultations with my Department.
59. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department will investigate a passport matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35234/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act 2008, as amended. The 2008 Act provides, among other things, that a person must be an Irish citizen before a passport can be issued to that person. Entitlement to Irish citizenship is determined by the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended.
In order to meet this requirement, each passport applicant must demonstrate an entitlement to Irish citizenship by providing acceptable documentary evidence of this entitlement when making a first time passport application.
In regards to the specific individual about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service cannot offer definitive advice in the absence of an application or any further information. However, the person is advised to make an application, submitting a letter outlining the details of their specific situation as well as any evidence they may have of their entitlement to Irish citizenship. The Passport Service can assess individual cases and will follow up with the applicant directly as appropriate.
Information on what is required for all first time passport applications, including details on documentary requirements, guardianship and consent, are available at my Department’s recently updated website (www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/documentary-requirements).
60. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland is compliant with the European Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP of 8 December 2008 in relation to checks on US military at Shannon Airport on goods destined for Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35318/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is the National Competent Authority with responsibility for Export Controls, including Controls on defence-related exports and exports of Dual-Use goods.
All applications for exports of controlled goods are assessed on a case-by-case basis giving due consideration to the eight criteria under the Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment.
Applications are subject to a rigorous licence application process which centres on a careful assessment of the proposed end-user and the end-use. Furthermore, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment consults with the Department of Foreign Affairs in respect of the majority of military licence types and all dual-use export licence applications.
Under the terms of the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952, all foreign military aircraft wishing to overfly, or land in, the State require diplomatic clearance from the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Diplomatic clearance is subject to strict conditions, including that the aircraft is unarmed; that it carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it does not engage in intelligence gathering; and that the flight in question does not form part of a military exercise or operation.
Foreign military aircraft which are given permission to land in Ireland are not subject to inspection in this regard. Sovereign immunity, a long-standing principle of customary international law, means that a state may not exercise its jurisdiction in respect to another state or its property, including state and military aircraft. This principle applies automatically to foreign State or military aircraft in the same way that it applies to Irish State or military aircraft abroad.
Under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989, it is expressly prohibited for civil aircraft to carry munitions of war in Irish sovereign territory, without being granted an exemption to do so from the Minister for Transport.
61. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department collates or retains cumulative data from Irish embassies or consulates abroad regarding requests for assistance from Irish citizens in the event of these citizens requiring medical assistance or an emergency hospitalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35347/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs publishes consular assistance statistics on an annual basis. The statistics include the total number of consular cases reported each year to the Department of Foreign Affairs, including Irish Embassies and Consulates. The statistics also provide the total number of cases reported across a number of different categories of cases, including, for example, Medical, Welfare, and Deaths Abroad, amongst others. Further information is available on the Department’s website at the following link: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/assistance-abroad/consular-statistics/.
The Department of Foreign Affairs provides consular assistance within the remit of its Consular Assistance Charter: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/assistance-abroad/consular-assistance-charter/
Citizens can find further information on the type of assistance the Department of Foreign Affairs can provide to them, should they encounter difficulty abroad, at the following link: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/assistance-abroad/
62. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions he proposes to take regarding reports that Irish-trained Libyan militia were found at a secret military camp in South Africa; if he is concerned about the human rights situation in Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35473/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of reports that Irish-trained Libyan militia were found operating in South Africa. These reports are deeply concerning and cause reputational damage to Ireland and our Defence Forces. An arms embargo has been in place in Libya since 2011, which includes a prohibition on the provision of technical assistance, training, financial or other assistance, related to military activities or the provision, maintenance or use of arms and related materiel, subject to certain limited exceptions. No Irish citizen should knowingly be involved in activities that breach UN sanctions or EU restrictive measures, least of all former members of the Irish Defence Forces.
I continue to be deeply concerned by the human rights situation in Libya. Ireland has been active in calling for improvements. At the 56th Session of the Human Rights Council on 8 July, Ireland expressed deep concern about the marginalisation of women and of continued erosion of civic space, including repressions of freedoms of expression, opinion, association and assembly, as well as harassment and violence against civil society organisations, human rights defenders, activists and journalists.
63. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures he has taken in order to raise the conditions of Palestinian prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35532/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am deeply concerned by the situation facing Palestinian prisoners, including in light of the issues raised by the UN Human Rights Office in its report of 31 July on detention in the context of the escalation of hostilities in Gaza. My officials are continuing to closely follow issues of arbitrary and administrative detention and conditions in detention. These issues are also being discussed and raised through our missions.
Ireland has repeatedly called on the Israeli authorities to end the practice of administrative detention completely. We have also repeatedly highlighted the applicability of international human rights standards and international humanitarian law in respect of detainees, in particular obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention. Detainees must have the right to be informed of the charges underlying any detention, have access to legal assistance, and receive a fair trial. Ireland also raised the specific situation at the Sde Teiman detention camp at the Human Rights Council in June of this year.
Ireland will continue to call for an immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal, leading to full, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, alongside a massively scaled up humanitarian response.
64. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason a passport application (details supplied) is still outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35554/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra65. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason a passport application (details supplied) is still outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35557/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 65 together.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued passports to the applicants.
66. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a person (details supplied) qualifies for an Irish passport; if not, if her only option qualifying her for an Irish passport is to become a naturalised Irish citizen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35595/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act 2008, as amended. The 2008 Act provides, among other things, that a person must be an Irish citizen before a passport can be issued to that person. Entitlement to Irish citizenship is determined by the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, under which Irish citizenship may be obtained by birth, by descent, or by naturalisation.
For individuals born outside of Ireland, they may claim citizenship if they had at least one parent who was born in the island of Ireland and where that parent is an Irish citizen. An individual born on the island of Ireland before 1 January 2005 is automatically an Irish citizen.
Individuals who were not born in Ireland and whose Irish citizen parent was not born in Ireland can apply to become Irish citizens through their Irish-born grandparents through Foreign Birth Registration.
For individuals whose great-grandparent was born in Ireland, they may be entitled to apply for entry on the Foreign Birth Register (FBR) if their parent was an Irish citizen at the time of the applicant's birth. This means that their parent must have been entered on the Foreign Birth Register and been an Irish citizen before the applicant was born.
Further information on Foreign Birth Registration is available on my Department's website, www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/citizenship/born-abroad/registering-a-foreign-birth/.
There are no provisions for the spouse or partner of an Irish citizen to acquire an Irish passport solely by virtue of a marriage or civil partnership with an Irish citizen. The legal provision that provided for post-nuptial citizenship was repealed with effect from 30 November 2005 and therefore it is not possible to apply retrospectively. Citizens can apply for an Irish passport if they acquired Irish citizenship by making a declaration of post-nuptial citizenship, as prescribed by the Department of Justice and Equality prior to this date.
Information on Irish citizenship through naturalisation is available from the Department of Justice which has responsibility for that process.
67. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions he is taking on an international and European level to prevent and deter escalation of Israeli violence in the occupied West Bank. [35631/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am deeply concerned by the large-scale military operations conducted by Israel in the West Bank involving the use of air strikes and resulting in casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure. I fully support the call of the UN Secretary General for an immediate cessation of these operations.
Regarding the wider situation in the West Bank, Ireland welcomed the Advisory Opinion delivered by the International Court of Justice in The Hague on 19 July, which largely confirms the Government’s legal analysis - outlined in Ireland’s written and oral submissions, and presented by the Attorney General to the Court back in February 2024 - that Israel’s settlement and related policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territory amount to illegal annexation.
I will continue to engage with partners – in the EU, across the region, and more widely within the United Nations – to see how we can now bring to bear this authoritative opinion by the Court to end Israel’s illegal presence in the OPT, and bring about the full realisation of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.
I welcome that the European Union has adopted successive rounds of sanctions against violent Israeli settlers under its Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, in April and in July of this year. We have seen further instances of settler violence in recent weeks and it is important that further listings are considered.
I will also continue my intensive engagement with EU partners to take concrete steps which demonstrate the Union’s commitment to the restoration of a political horizon in the region towards full realisation of the two-State solution.
68. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will work with countries of like minds in the EU, for example, Spain, to prevent Israeli settlement being presented and treated as a fringe activity, when in fact, it is state policy, with its illegal incursions and violent assaults assisted and-or ignored by the security forces. [35632/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s position on Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory is clear - they are illegal under international law. This is also the position of the European Union.
The Advisory Opinion delivered by the International Court of Justice in The Hague on 19 July largely confirms the Government’s legal analysis - outlined in Ireland’s written and oral submissions, and presented by the Attorney General to the Court back in February 2024 - that Israel’s settlement and related policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territory amount to illegal annexation.
To date, the EU has agreed two rounds of sanctions against violent Israeli settlers, targeting nine individuals and five entities. Ireland has supported both of these packages. The EU High Representative/Vice President, Josep Borrell, recently brought forward proposals for additional listings under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. These are currently being discussed at working level. Ireland will continue to support EU sanctions on individuals and organisations engaged in and facilitating violent settler activity.
I will continue to engage with partners – in the EU, across the region, and more widely within the United Nations – to see how we can now bring to bear the authoritative opinion by the International Court of Justice to end Israel’s illegal presence in the OPT, and bring about the full realisation of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.
Ireland's approach at EU and international level remains grounded in the belief that the only just and sustainable peaceful solution, for both Palestinians and Israelis, is a two-state solution based on 1967 borders, with the State of Israel, and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign, and viable State of Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security and mutual recognition, with Jerusalem serving as the future capital of both states.
69. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions he is taking to ensure the EU sanctions Israel for its war crimes and crimes against humanity. [35633/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo date, the EU has agreed two rounds of sanctions against violent Israeli settlers, targeting nine individuals and five entities. Ireland has supported both of these packages. The EU High Representative/Vice President, Josep Borrell, recently brought forward proposals for additional listings under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. These are currently being discussed at working level. Ireland will continue to support EU sanctions on individuals and organisations engaged in and facilitating violent settler activity.
I also welcome that the EU has adopted sanctions against Hamas for sexual and gender-based violence committed on 7 October.
Sanctions are an important tool to promote the objectives of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) in response to breaches of international law including international humanitarian law and human rights. EU sanctions are always targeted, and seek to bring about a change in the policy or behaviour of the target of the measures.
70. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans to propose tough sanctions to be applied on Israeli settlers in the West Bank at the next EU Foreign Affairs Council Meeting. [35674/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe situation in the West Bank is one of longstanding concern, which has been intensified by the current crisis. The rise in extremist settler violence committed against Palestinians is utterly unacceptable and I have strongly supported proposals for EU sanctions targeting violent or extreme Israeli settlers. Ireland’s clear and consistent view remains that Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are illegal under international law and undermine the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people. This position is clearly laid out in Ireland’s written submission to the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on the Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.
To date, the EU has agreed two rounds of sanctions against violent Israeli settlers, targeting nine individuals and five entities. Ireland has supported both of these packages. The EU High Representative/Vice President, Josep Borrell, recently brought forward proposals for additional listings under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. These are currently being discussed at working level. Ireland will continue to support EU sanctions on individuals and organisations engaged in and facilitating violent settler activity.
71. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans to invite a person (details supplied) to Ireland before the end of this year. [35675/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was pleased to have my first call with the new UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on 5 July, shortly after he was appointed to the role. We met in-person previously on two occasions during his time as Shadow Foreign Secretary.
Foreign Secretary Lammy and I are in agreement that we have a significant opportunity now for a reset of our bilateral relationship. The British Irish relationship is deeply rich and consequential. We share close cultural connections, significant economic ties, and important strategic links. Crucially, the Irish and British Governments are co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, and must work together in the spirit of partnership that can and does deliver for the people who call these islands home.
Many of the challenges we face and the opportunities that we can embrace are shared, both across these islands and globally. From working to achieve peace in the Middle East, to standing with Ukraine, and defending the multilateral order, there is much for us to engage on together.
To follow-up on our initial engagements, the Foreign Secretary and I are working to meet in-person in the near future. I look forward to working together in partnership with the Foreign Secretary and with his colleagues in the UK Government.
72. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts Ireland is currently engaged in with respect to short-term recovery efforts as part of the reconstruction process in Ukraine, which include the provision of prefabricated homes; the number of prefabricated homes constructed to date in Ukraine with the assistance of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35934/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMore than two years on from Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine continues to face immense challenges. Ireland is engaged in discussions at EU level around short-term recovery efforts and preparations for a successful longer-term reconstruction effort. We also recognise the important role of the private sector and civil society in these processes, and support a gender-responsive and inclusive recovery effort.
Ireland has supported Ukraine in this process from the earliest opportunity, and provided support to the construction of prefabricated homes to support communities devastated by the war.
Approximately one-third of Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homes and around 3.7 million are currently displaced within the country. Ireland funds UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency in Ukraine to provide emergency shelter and access to medium-term housing solutions as part of short term recovery efforts. In 2023 with support from Ireland and other donors UNHCR provided emergency shelter kits to 172,000 people, repaired the homes of 22,000 families and over 40,800 displaced people benefited from different forms of support in 546 collective sites to which people have been forced to flee.
Ireland has also provided €1.5million to UNHCR for the construction of prefab modular homes. Installation of these homes, which provide an opportunity for families whose homes were destroyed to return to their communities and originally owned plots of land, began in January 2024. The homes are simple to maintain and have the full functionality of a house, including standard kitchens, furniture, toilet, bathrooms and appliances. The project aims to have 300 prefab homes built by the end of 2024 and Irish funding provides for 50 of these in the Kyiv region. As of August 2024, 135 homes have been completed overall. The Core Homes have provided a medium-term solution to the acute Shelter and Emergency Housing needs caused by the conflict.
Along with the Taoiseach, I recently announced a funding package of €36m for Ukraine and its immediate neighbours to provide essential humanitarian assistance, support rehabilitation and eventual reconstruction, and contribute to Ukraine's longer term goals. This brings Ireland's total stabilisation and humanitarian support to Ukraine since February 2022 to €130, of which over €40 million was allocated this year. UNHCR will receive €5.5 million to support their work with the millions of displaced people. The 2024 UNHCR winter plan aims to support 600,000 people with cash assistance to cover additional winter needs. In 2024, UNHCR also aims to reach 1 million people with additional support for winter including housing repairs and insulation to enable people to remain in their own homes.
Ireland will continue to identify community infrastructure which we can help to rehabilitate, to ensure that the most vulnerable continue to have access to the essential services they need, and with a view to strengthening Ukrainian systems and enabling longer term development by partnering with counterparts in Lithuania who have significant experience of reconstruction in Ukraine.
