Ministers signal change to payments for Ukrainians

Cillian Sherlock, PA

Senior Government figures have signalled that there will be further changes to payments for Ukrainians seeking protection in Ireland.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU triggered a temporary protection directive to offer assistance for those fleeing the war.

It places obligations on EU countries to give certain rights to the beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs) including residence permits and access to suitable accommodation.

Ireland has granted more than 105,000 temporary protection orders since the start of the war, and almost 72,000 BOTPs are in State-provided accommodation.

However, the Government changed its offering for new arrivals in March.

Under the revised plan, Ukrainian refugees go to designated accommodation centres for up to 90 days and are provided with food, laundry and integration during this time.

They will be paid a €38.80 subsistence allowance per week and an additional €29.80 per child.

Arrivals had previously been entitled to a jobseeker’s allowance of €220 per week and unlimited time in State accommodation.

Approximately half of arrivals opt for State-provided accommodation. Those who do not are entitled to the full income s.

The changes did not apply to those who arrived before the March deadline.

However, Taoiseach Simon Harris has said there should be discussion about “a consistency of approach” for Ukrainians and BOTPs.

Speaking on Newstalk, Mr Harris added: “It shouldn’t be whether you came one month (ago) or not that you get a different level of .”

Asked if payments would be cut further, environment minister Eamon Ryan said: “I expect that will apply to a wider category of people regardless of when they came to the country.

He told RTÉ radio: “So I think there will be some variations and some changes.

“And we do that at the same time that we know we have to provide additional accommodation for those seeking international protection.

“We have to do both to try to manage this fairly.”

It comes as the State continues to struggle to provide accommodation for asylum seekers arriving here.

Mr Harris has said there are several “common sense” changes to migration policy that need to be implemented.

The Cabinet will discuss the proposals as well as payments to BOTPs on Tuesday.