About one-tenth of the Kosovar refugees who have been in Ireland since May are to return home next week, Minister of State Ms Liz O'Donnell said yesterday.
The group of 107 people will be the first Irish-based refugees to return. There are 1,033 Kosovars here at present.
"The instinct to return is understandably very strong and, to this end, we are facilitating a `look and see' programme which will enable the head of family to return and make their own assessment of conditions in their home places to help make them up their minds," said Ms O'Donnell.
"They will be free to return here within two months and either remain here for the period of their temporary protection or go back with their families during that period."
An information leaflet outlining the status and entitlements of all the refugees, should they decide to stay in Ireland or return home, is being prepared with the assistance of UNHCR personnel.
"Clearly we want their decision to return to be voluntary and informed," Ms O'Donnell said.
Repatriation grants of £600 per adult and £300 per child are to be paid. "These people who arrived here traumatised and bereft of possessions and who are dependent on the State will need some financial support as they seek to rebuild their lives with the help of agencies already on the ground in Kosovo."
Refugees returning to Kosovo will leave on a flight from Farranfore airport, Co Kerry, to Pristina late next week.
