An NGO engaged in the sector has indicated that the slashing of welfare allowances for Ukrainians housed in state-funded residences was not thoroughly considered. This statement comes in response to revelations that the government is providing additional funds to thousands of Ukrainians housed in hotels and other such facilities. This measure was required as decreased social benefits left them unable to cover food costs negotiated in prior agreements with providers.
Emma Lane-Spollen, the national coordinator for the Ukraine Civil Society Forum, articulated that this is only now being unravelled due to the implementation of a measure that was inadequately planned. Ms. Lane-Spollen highlighted her knowledge of cases where the decreased benefits have made it challenging for some individuals to cover the cost of specific dietary needs, travel and other essential items. She further stated, “The politicians responsible for this decision appear to have been oblivious to the fact that individuals were already managing payments for food, laundry and other expenses.”
In May, the government decided to decrease welfare allowances for all Ukrainians in serviced residences to €38.80 weekly per adult and €29.80 per child. However, the Department of Integration has confirmed that Ukrainians contributing towards their meal costs will receive a supplement to counterbalance these costs of €70 per adult and €35 per child.
Ms. Lane-Spollen advocated for alterations to be implemented which would permit greater leniency within the system, stating that “we advocate for a more humanistic approach”. Simultaneously, Taoiseach Simon Harris appeared to retract from possible policy changes being considered by authorities which could potentially deny Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion accommodation upon their arrival in Ireland.
Before his scheduled meeting with US President Joe Biden in Washington, DC, Mr. Harris addressed the media saying he was not criticising office bearers and insisted it was crucial for matters to be continually reevaluated. He acknowledged reading the latest suggestions early in the day, confirming that such issues are routinely debated. Despite conceding that Ireland is reaching its maximum capacity for any reductions to the support provided to Ukrainians, he stated that the propositions had not been deliberated at the Cabinet yet. He was candid in expressing his scepticism, arguing that Ireland has already made significant, reasonable, fair, and justifiable commitments in the Ukrainian area and there was limited room for further expansion.
According to Mr. Harris, the government is more engrossed in reworking protocols for international protection applicants, which could consist of introducing an expense for asylum seekers. In terms of additional payments, a spokesperson from the Department of Integration, stated that the government had consented to establish an “equality of treatment” for Ukrainians who arrived in Ireland, prior to and post March 14th and are residing in State-funded housing which includes meals and utilities. As of a few weeks ago, individuals residing in state-run housing centres are no longer eligible for standard social assistance payments. Despite this, their new financial package includes a contribution towards meal costs, but additional expenses such as laundry will have to be covered from the weekly payments.
The spokesperson stressed the department’s ongoing commitment to adopt a compassionate approach towards housing provision, all the while keeping in mind the sustainability, consistency, and cost-effectiveness of the housing system. They ended by clarifying that Ukrainians are welcome to arrange their own private accommodation and subsequently become eligible to apply for standard social welfare payments.