Almost 17,000 people have now fled Ukraine to Ireland, according to latest figures from the Department of Justice.
So far, approximately 83 per cent of people who have entered the State from Ukraine have been welcomed at Dublin Airport where a “one-stop shop” has been set up to process refugees and provide them with a PPS number and assess their accommodation needs.
The Government plans to use Citywest Convention Centre as a processing centre for refugees as Dublin Airport is beginning to come under pressure with the number of people continuing to arrive from Ukraine.
More than 20,000 pledges have been made to the Red Cross to house Ukrainian refugees in Irish homes. These are currently being evaluated but it is unclear how many Ukrainians have so far been housed in such accommodation. The Irish Times sought figures from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability and Integration but received no response.
Visa requirements lifted
Pledges through the Red Cross as well as accommodation through local authorities, religious organisations and State bodies, are unlikely to meet the level of need, and tents, prefabs and emergency dormitory-style units may have to be used.
Millstreet Arena, the National Show Centre and land at Gormanstown owned by the Defence Forces are being considered for use.
Figures released on Saturday last, March 26th, were inaccurate due to a “technical issue” and the real number of refugees who have arrived is “higher than what was issued” on March 27th. The figures have since been revised to take account of the discrepancies.
Since visa requirements for those entering Ireland from Ukraine were lifted on February 25th, a total of 16,891 people have arrived up to March 31th.
To facilitate travel for Ukrainian nationals, the following documents may be accepted in lieu of a national passport: national ID card, birth certificate, internal passport or expired documents.