Refugee families from Syria were today welcomed by Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan as they arrived in Co Meath this morning.
The 50 refugees were resettled to Ireland under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme.
The families had been living in a United Nations refugee camp in Lebanon and were interviewed earlier this year by officials from the Department of Justice and Equality as part of a selection mission.
Greeting the families at the Mosney accommodation centre, Minister Flanagan said: “I am delighted to have had the opportunity to meet with the families today. Their experiences over the last few years as they were forced to flee their homes have been traumatic and their stories are harrowing and deeply moving.
“Their long journey to find safety and sanctuary is now over and I know that the people of Ireland will welcome them with open arms and the offer of friendship and support.”
Their arrival comes following Mr Flanagan’s pledge in December that Ireland will welcome up to 2,900 refugees between 2020 and 2023 through a combination of resettlement and community sponsorship.
Mr Flanagan added that it was important that all countries play their part to assist refugees saying “The families that I have met and spoken with today are living proof of the transformative impact of refugee resettlement.
"They can now look to the future with hope for themselves and their children.
“With over 70 million forcibly displaced persons globally and almost 7 million from Syria alone, it is only right and proper that Ireland plays its part and offers a helping hand to those less fortunate than ourselves.”
