Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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494. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the details of the supports that her Department has provided for Ukraine and for Ukrainian people since February 2022, whether in Ukraine or within the State; the number of people supported where relevant; the estimated cost and value of the support where available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8874/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My Department places the highest priority on ensuring that those arriving in Ireland having fled the terrible war in Ukraine are given the supports and services they need.

My Department plays a key role in the Citywest Reception Centre. Officials from my Department together with officials from the Department of Justice and Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth officials are available to meet people immediately on arrival from Ukraine and provide them with information and assistance in accessing supports.

In accordance with the Temporary Protection Directive implemented in March 2022, people fleeing the war in Ukraine have been granted the status to avail of supports and services from my Department. This means that they can work in Ireland and access the full range of social welfare supports if eligible, including jobseeker's payments, pensions, child benefit, and rent supplement.

The role of the Department of Social Protection is threefold: to help people to apply for Personal Public Service Numbers which are a key requirement in accessing public services; to assist with the provision of income support; and to provide information and support on employment and training options.

The priority for my Department is the allocation of PPS numbers and the provision of income supports. A fast-track approach to processing these supports has been put in place which includes quick processing of PPS numbers to allow access to public services and a simplified income support decision-making process. PPS number allocation and Income Support is also available through Intreo Centres and Branch Offices across the country.

As at 20th February 75,492 PPS numbers have been allocated to people who have arrived here, fleeing war, from Ukraine. 35,563 people are in receipt of an income support payment from the Department. The appropriate scheme and rate of payment for each person depends on their individual circumstances. Child Benefit is being paid to 13,192 families in respect of 18,398 children.

Total expenditure on social welfare supports to people under the Temporary Protection Directive is just over €292 million to 12 February 2023. Over €240 million was paid in 2022 with the remaining €52 million being paid in 2023 to 12 February 2023.

Employment support services are also available to those who have arrived in Ireland. As of 17th February 2023, employment services staff have engaged with 21,725 people covered by the Temporary Protection Directive.

A dedicated section, available in Ukrainian and Russian on www.jobsireland.iehas been developed to provide information on employment opportunities for newly arrived Ukrainians. Employers are advised to register on JobsIreland.ie to advertise Job vacancies and this enables Intreo Employment Services staff to match the skills of those seeking employment with available work opportunities.

Supporting people who are providing accommodation to people who have fled the war is also a priority for my Department. To this end my Department is administering the Accommodation Recognition Payment on behalf of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. The payment is a recognition of the generosity of people who have made accommodation available to victims of a humanitarian crisis.

The scheme opened for applications on Tuesday 26th July 2022. As of 19th February 6,396 applications have been received and processed. The rate of payment increased from €400 per calendar month to €800 per calendar month with effect from 1st December 2022. 4,947 claims are currently in payment in respect of accommodation being provided for some 10,308 people.

I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.