2383. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the proposed arrangements that will apply to Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary protection who apply for the temporary protection transition scheme but are refused; whether such persons will be eligible to participate in the proposed voluntary return and reintegration programme; whether eligibility for voluntary return will be automatic (details supplied); the legal status that will apply to a person following refusal; the time available to such persons to regularise their immigration status or make arrangements to leave the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61967/26]

The Government has agreed to introduce an alternative residence permission for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection who wish to remain in Ireland independently and who satisfy certain eligibility criteria.

It is important to note that the alternative permission is not intended to replace Temporary Protection but to provide an additional pathway for those who are eligible and who wish to remain in Ireland on an independent basis. Persons who do not satisfy the eligibility criteria will continue to benefit from Temporary Protection status and its associated rights and entitlements while the Temporary Protection Directive remains in effect. Further information regarding the scheme is available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/collections/a-new-permission-en/.

Ireland is not currently supporting voluntary returns to Ukraine. People considering returning to Ukraine, do so of their own volition and by their own means. If a person takes the decision to return to Ukraine and the region becomes unsafe, they can reapply for temporary protection in Ireland for as long as the Temporary Protection Directive remains in force.

Consideration is being given at EU level to the possible development of a voluntary return and reintegration initiative. Ireland remains engaged in ongoing discussion with EU Member States and will continue to monitor developments in this area.

It is expected that information on a dedicated voluntary return and reintegration programme will be available in the coming months.