Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The war in Ukraine has resulted in the largest humanitarian effort in the State's history. Ireland has responded to the war with a co-ordinated, whole-of-government response and has provided protection and support to those who have had to flee from the violence in Ukraine. More than 106,000 people have arrived in the State since the European Council unanimously adopted the implementing decision regarding the temporary protection directive in March 2022. In October 2023, the EU Council agreed to extend the period of temporary protection to March 2025. Options as to what arrangements might be in place after March 2025 are being considered at EU level, and the Minister for Justice is the lead Minister for Ireland.

The Government has recently implemented changes to the supports to those fleeing the war in Ukraine. Under the revised approach, beneficiaries of temporary protection who seek State accommodation are accommodated in designated accommodation centres for a maximum of 90 days, during which time they receive a reduced weekly payment of €38.80 per adult and €29.80 per child. When they leave the designated accommodation centres or if they make their own accommodation arrangements on arrival, they are entitled to apply for standard social welfare assistance equivalent to that to which Irish citizens are entitled, subject to meeting the eligibility conditions. The changes have been widely communicated to the Ukrainian community both in Ireland and elsewhere to ensure people make informed decisions on coming to Ireland.

These changes bring the supports being provided into increased alignment with those of other member states. They also incentivise independence and integration into communities. People who are not being accommodated by the State require support, including social welfare support, to live independently in the same way as all other citizens.

There has been a notable drop in the number of people arriving from Ukraine and seeking temporary protection since the beginning of 2024. In addition, the number of Ukrainians relying on State-provided accommodation is decreasing every week as people focus on becoming more independent, living independently and integrating into local communities, with some leaving the country to return to Ukraine. The CSO estimates that more than 22,000 people granted temporary protection are no longer in the State.

Any further changes to payments for beneficiaries of temporary protection will be considered on a whole-of-government basis.

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