Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have no dispute in terms of our international obligations. We supported the legislation that made those changes to social welfare payments for people who arrived from Ukraine after a certain date. This is not about Europe, however. The provision of social welfare payments is a decision that has been adopted by the Irish Government. Given it is highly likely that at the expiration of the directive they will either have to apply for visas or seek international protection and then be on the lower rate people in direct provision get, I do not think it is fair on anyone. It is not right in terms of the system and transparency nor is it right for people on those payments to be living in the dark. Given the situation they are likely to be in, what makes sense is a tapering down between now and then to allow people to adjust. The Government's approach, much the same as it is to this issue generally, seems to be one of waiting and seeing and there is no forward planning. I do not think that is fair and I do not think it is right. It does not instil confidence. It is only a year away and this is very much a domestic competency.

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