Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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1087. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if persons can have their social protection payments and secondary benefits affected as a result of housing a refugee in their home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20947/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My Department is providing ongoing support and services to assist people covered by the Temporary Protection Directive who are fleeing Ukraine and who arrive in Ireland, such as the provision of PPSNs and income supports.

However, the issue of accommodation has become more acute in recent weeks.

Currently, where a recipient of a means tested social assistance payment provides accommodation in their own home, any rental payment received in exchange will be assessed in the means test for their social assistance payment and could affect their weekly rate of payment. 

In addition, entitlement to secondary benefits such as Fuel Allowance or Living Alone Allowance may be affected due to changes in household composition.

With this in mind, I have asked my officials to examine these issues and come forward with proposals as soon as possible.