Ireland to take 500 Ukrainian refugees from Moldova as EU plan more sanctions on Russia

Moldova, which borders Ukraine, has found its services under extreme pressure as more than 325,000 Ukrainians have arrived there

Israeli volunteers assist people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine as they cross the Moldova-Ukraine border checkpoint near the Moldovan town of Palanca. Picture: GIL COHEN-MAGEN/AFP via Getty Images

Ireland will take in up to 500 Ukrainian refugees who have fled to Moldova, the Government has announced.

The Cabinet met today virtually to discuss the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

One of Europe's poorest countries, Moldovan services are said to be under "extreme pressure" from the numbers fleeing west from Russia's invasion.

Moldova has taken in more than 325,000 Ukrainians since the war broke out three weeks ago. Ireland, for comparison, has taken around 6,500, though that number will grow in the coming days.

Speaking after chairing the meeting, Mr Martin said more than 6,600 people have arrived here from Ukraine and the Government is working to secure hotel and B&B accommodation and are sifting through the thousands of offers which have been made by the general public.

"Thousands of units of accommodation have been secured by the Department of Children and they are continuing to secure additional accommodation.

Mr Martin said as well as securing hotels and B&Bs officials are "working beyond that to look at the pledges that have been received and they have commenced with those properties that are empty with a view to ensure that we can accommodate those who continue to come into the country."

"We again call on Russia to end the war," he said adding that it is an "immoral" attack on the people of Ukraine.

Responding to reports in the Irish Examiner that some Ukrainians have been offered a place to stay in Ireland in exchange for sex, Mr Martin said that would be "morally reprehensible kind of behavior."

He added: "The minister [Roderic O'Gorman] and the Government have been working with hotels, bed and breakfast, other forms of accommodation like that, securing premises that we can reconvert into housing units, that work is already happening because of those very reasons, and those experienced in this field are very conscious that... there has to be vetting, and they are working with Tusla and the gardaí in respect of what would be the proper vetting procedures to be adopted to make sure we protect children in particular, in situations like this."

The Cabinet was told that plans are being advanced to house refugees in:

• Hotels, guest houses and B&Bs;
• Accommodation pledged by the general public;
• State-owned or private properties which may be suitable for short-term accommodation;
• Religious properties; 
• and Local authority facilities.

It is understood that St Patrick's week has thrown up a problem for departments finding accommodation for refugees as many hotels in Dublin are fully booked. This "pinch point", sources said, will ease after the weekend.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner yesterday, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that there was an acknowledgement that states that border Ukraine are being asked to carry more of the fall-out from the conflict. Ireland has said it will take 2% of all displaced people, which could end up being over 100,000 refugees.

Mr Martin also said that the EU had agreed further sanctions against Russia.

“The European Union have announced further sanctions this morning particularly in terms of iron and steel, listing further individuals, getting rid of the most favoured nation status that Russia enjoyed at the WTO, so the benefits derived from the WTO would be denied Russia, and a number of other measures as well and further sanctions would be kept under constant review.

Today the Government said that it had decided to "ramp-up the humanitarian response in order to provide accommodation and other essential supports rapidly and at scale" as well as offering to accept from Moldova up to 500 people who have fled from Ukraine given the "extreme pressure being faced by Moldova in the current circumstances".

"Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine includes indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure and the use of weapons that are prohibited. It must cease immediately for the sake of the lives and safety of people in Ukraine. 

Russia’s actions are simply unacceptable and the Government reiterates its strong solidarity with the Government and people of Ukraine.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs remains in ongoing contact with Irish citizens registered in Ukraine.

"Given the current circumstances there, they are advised to shelter in a secure place, and only to consider leaving Ukraine if they judge it safe to do so. "

A Government statement said that while a major response to the crisis "presents challenges", it is a "very necessary response in the face of the appalling and immoral war being levied by Russia against the people in Ukraine".