Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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1063. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will ensure that those in receipt of the living alone allowance will not forfeit their eligibility if they choose to pledge a spare room in their home to Ukrainian refugees through the Irish Red Cross; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20589/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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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 is providing 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 these 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 developing the necessary changes to regulations or guidelines to ensure that providing such accommodation does not impact on the person’s existing social welfare entitlements.  Officials across Government Departments are examining any necessary regulatory or other changes in this regard and it is hoped that these will be finalised shortly. 

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.