Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
41. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he has considered the impact on the international protection system of withdrawing temporary protection from Ukrainians living in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35790/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2025, the Justice and Home Affairs Council extended Temporary Protection until March 2027 and there may be further extensions to the directive which will be agreed at EU level.
Ireland supports a harmonised EU-wide approach to exiting Temporary Protection, so that when this transition occurs, it does so consistently and appropriately across the EU.
Ireland remains supportive of the European Commission’s role in leading the dialogue on exit strategies. The Department cannot pre-empt the outcome of future discussions and decisions of the EU in this regard.
The Cabinet Committee on Justice, Migration and Social Affairs met recently and discussed this transition and a proposal is being developed for Government consideration in the coming weeks. The Government will also consider proposals being developed to phase out State-funded accommodation, which has been provided to people from Ukraine since 2022.
These proposals will align with the EU Council Recommendation concerning a co-ordinated approach to transition people out of Temporary Protection across the EU. Ireland is advancing the four sets of measures outlined in the Recommendation:
* Promote and facilitate the transition to other legal statuses before the end of Temporary Protection;
* Pave the way for a smooth and sustainable reintegration in Ukraine;
* Ensure information provision to displaced people and
* Ensure coordination, monitoring and exchange of information among Member States and with the Ukrainian authorities.
Ireland’s objective is to achieve a coordinated and orderly exit from Temporary Protection through advancing the above measures.
It is not possible for someone to apply for international protection while also benefitting from temporary protection.
A person would have to withdraw their Temporary Protection permission, before being able to avail of international protection or vice versa.
It is important to note that a person who applies for international protection does not have immediate access to employment, social welfare, or international travel in the same way as a person receiving Temporary Protection will.
The measures outlined in the EU Council Recommendation offer options and pathways for people who are beneficiaries of temporary protection, thereby minimising any potential increased pressures on international protection systems.
