Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that Ukrainian nationals fleeing the conflict in Ukraine do not require a visa or other advanced clearance to take up temporary protection in Ireland.

In March 2022, the EU Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC) was activated by the EU Council in response to the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The Directive establishes the minimum standards of protection to be provided by Member States in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons from third countries who are unable to return to their country of origin. At a meeting of EU Home Affairs Ministers on 13 June 2024, political agreement was reached to extend the Temporary Protection Directive until March 2026.

Those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine and who meet the criteria set out in the Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/382) are eligible for this temporary protection, initially for one year and on a renewable basis, as long as the Temporary Protection Directive remains activated.

To date, 107,746 people have registered for temporary protection in Ireland.

Additionally, 47 individuals have relocated to Ireland under the Moldovan Transfer Programme. The Moldovan Transfer Programme is coordinated by the EU Commission and supports the relocation of Ukrainian nationals who have fled the war in Ukraine to Moldova. The programme is administered by UNHCR and IOM.