James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

45. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if social welfare payments including the living alone allowance and the fuel allowance will be impacted by those offering to pledge accommodation for refugees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14829/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The European Union has put in place a temporary protection Directive to allow Ukrainian citizens and others fleeing Ukraine to move through the EU akin to EU citizens.  This Department will provide support and services to assist people covered by this Directive who are fleeing Ukraine and who arrive in Ireland.  As the situation is evolving, the Government will, of course, keep all aspects of the Department's various schemes under review to ensure that this cohort of people receive the supports and services they require.

Where a person in receipt of social welfare income supports (such as fuel allowance or the living alone allowance) provides accommodation in their home to a person fleeing Ukraine, the Department is exploring the implementation of any necessary changes to regulations or guidelines to ensure that providing such accommodation does not impact on the person’s social welfare entitlements.  Proposals in this regard will be brought forward shortly.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.