Breaking ireland commits to taking 2900 refugees

Ireland has committed to accepting 2,900 refugees in its response to the growing crisis across Europe.

After a special Cabinet meeting this morning, the Minister for Justice & Equality Frances Fitzgerald announced that a special · network of emergency reception and orientation centres would be established around the country to deal with arriving refugees.
And it said assessments and decisions on refugee status would be made in these centres, within weeks.

The Minister said all relevant housing authorities, in association with the Irish Red Cross, Civil Defence and other NGOs will be asked to pursue all options, including pledges from the public, to find suitable accommodation for those granted refugee status.

The Government is also to launch an audit of all accommodation options, including State property such as Defence Forces accommodation.
The Minister made it clear that existing direct provision centre, such as in Lissywoollen, Athlone, would not be used in this programme.

This morning’s meeting agreed that Ireland will accept up to 2,900 additional persons in need of international protection as part of the new EU programme which is in addition to both the 600 persons already committed to earlier this year under the proposed EU Relocation programme, and 520 programme refugees currently being resettled to Ireland under a previously-agreed programme.
It is expected that these numbers will be increased by further family reunifications.

Minister Fitzgerald stated: “Ireland has always lived up to its international humanitarian obligation and we are fully committed to playing our part in addressing the Migration Crisis facing Europe. We have all been shocked and upset at the scenes witnessed in southern and central Europe and the distressing scenes during rescues in the Mediterranean. It is only right that we are do all we can as a nation to help.”

“Under the new Programme agreed today, Ireland will offer a welcome safe haven for families and children who have been forced to leave their homes due to war and conflict”

Minister Fitzgerald welcomed the expressions of support from the public including those who have pledged accommodation and other assistance. The Minister stated: “I have been clear that we must do all we can to harness the potential of these generous offers.”