517. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 582 of 30 June 2026, if he considers the proposed temporary protection transition scheme to be consistent with point 5, as opposed to recital 5, of the 2025 EU Council Recommendation, that is to say the objective to ensure conditions of residence take into account the special needs of people which Ukraine cannot immediately cater for after the expiry of the directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52810/26]

The Deputy may be aware that Recital 4 of the EU Council Recommendation encourages Member States to promote and facilitate the transition of beneficiaries of temporary protection into other immigration statuses, where the conditions of such permissions are met and where the beneficiaries wish to remain in Ireland.

The Recommendation also sets out examples of legal statuses open to beneficiaries to apply for, such as those based on employment, self-employment, education, or a dedicated national permit - provided the person meets the required conditions for the relevant permission. Notably, it is currently open to beneficiaries of temporary protection to transition into existing legal statuses in Ireland. Information on the different permissions can be found at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/information-on-registering/immigration-permission-stamps/

In recognition of the contribution the people from Ukraine have made in Ireland, since arrival following the outbreak of war, the Government agreed to introduce an additional dedicated national permit for independent beneficiaries of temporary protection to live and work in Ireland on a more durable basis. The alternative permission will be provided for an initial two-year period, renewable for periods of two years thereafter. This permission is not intended to replace Temporary Protection, but to provide an alternative for those who meet the eligibility conditions.

In relation to point 5 of the Recommendation, this refers to the measures necessary concerning the conditions of residence of persons who have special needs and do not meet the requirements for other statuses, such as the proposed alternative permission. It should be noted that individuals who do not meet the eligibility conditions of the alternative permission, or existing national permissions, will continue to be supported under temporary protection for so long as the Directive remains in effect. This will also include supports such as continued State accommodation for people with circumstances such as those with special needs which make independent living a challenge. Upon the expiry of temporary protection, Ireland will fulfil its obligations under the Directive to include measures referenced in Chapter V - Return and measures after Temporary Protection has ended.