Republic to settle nearly 3,000 refugees over next four years

Almost 3,000 refugees will be settled in Ireland over the next four years under plans announced in Geneva on Tuesday by the Minister of State with responsibility for immigration.

David Stanton said the refugees, whose entitlement to asylum will be already established, would be from Syria and Eritrea and travel to Ireland from settlements in Jordan, Lebanon and Ethiopia.

Some 650 are expected next year, 700 in 2021, 750 in 2022 and 800 in 2023. The European Commission will provide €9 million to support the resettlement of the first 900 arriving from early in the New Year until June 2021.

They will arrive under the auspices of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) established in 2015 as part of Ireland’s response to the global refugee crisis.

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Mr Stanton, who attended the Global Refugee Forum in the Swiss city, said it is “vital” the Republic works with other safe countries to resettle people fleeing war and extreme poverty.

The forum, hosted by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, brings together international actors to discuss strategies and solutions on the issues.

‘Acute’ worldwide crisis

“It is important that Ireland continues to play its part in acting as a safe haven for people in need of protection and humanitarian support. This new phase of the IRPP will take up to 2900 people between 2020 and 2023 through a combination of resettlement and community sponsorship,” said Mr Stanton.

Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan said the worldwide crisis remains "acute".

“In Syria alone there are over 11 million people, including six million children, that are desperate for help. It is only right and proper that Ireland plays its part and offers a helping hand to those less fortunate than ourselves.

“This new phase of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme will build on the work we have been doing since 2015 to resettle thousands of people.”