The first Kosovo refugees to come to Ireland will be welcomed when they arrive at Farranfore Airport in Co Kerry tonight by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr O'Donoghue.
About 130 refugees, the first of 1,000 to whom the Government has offered refuge, will fly to Kerry from Skopje, the Macedonian capital, near where they have been living in camps since fleeing ethnic cleansing in Kosovo.
They will then be taken to two centres: Atlas House Hostel in Killarney and Drishane Castle, near Millstreet in Co Cork. Each refugee will receive a "starter welcome pack" containing soap, toothpaste and toiletries. They will have been told about their entitlements here.
A further 150 will arrive on Thursday at either Baldonnel or Dublin Airport. They will be accommodated at an Army barracks in Baltinglass, Co Wicklow, and in mobile homes on the site of former army barracks in Kildare town.
According to the Government the self-catering accommodation centres were chosen for their suitability for families and compliance with fire safety regulations.
The Anti-Racism Campaign has stressed the importance of extending a welcome to the refugees. Its spokesman, Mr Pat Guerin, said the war in Kosovo appeared to be changing some hostile attitudes towards asylum-seekers.
"It's very important not to lose sight of the fact that many of those refugees already here in Ireland have been given less than a welcome," he said.
The scheme will cost the Government up to £14 million a year, or £14,000 per person. The new arrivals will be allowed to remain for up to one year, but that period can be extended for as long as the need for temporary protection continues. They will have the right to work and engage in business and to education and health services. Family members may join them at a later date.
