Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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51. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will report on her engagements with Cabinet colleagues regarding the ending of the Temporary Protection Directive next year. [17716/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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In March 2022, the European Council adopted unanimously the implementing decision regarding the Temporary Protection Directive, due to the mass influx of persons fleeing Ukraine as a consequence of the war. People arriving from Ukraine under the Directive can move through the EU as EU citizens. In October 2023, the EU Council agreed to extend the period of temporary protection to March 2025. Options on what arrangements might be in place after March 2025 are being considered at EU level and the Minister for Justice is the lead Minister for Ireland.

Discussion of options for when temporary protection is due to expire in 2025 are ongoing, both within Government, and at an EU level, recognising the need for certainty for beneficiaries of temporary protection in the EU.

What is very clear is that the prevailing conditions in Ukraine will be an important factor in any decisions taken. The Government supports the strong call from EU Member States for a harmonised approach to Temporary Protection post March 2025.

My Department has an excellent record in reacting quickly and appropriately to emergency situations, as was clear from its response to the Covid and Ukrainian crises. I can assure the Deputy that my Department will not be found lacking in its response to any planned changes and will continue to liaise with other Departments in relation to this matter.

I trust that this clarifies matters for the Deputy.