Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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421. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the position with social protection payments when a Ukrainian person takes up employment; if, upon commencing employment, they have to pay towards the cost of their accommodation and food, which is being provided by the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10083/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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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 jobseekers payments, pensions, child benefit, and rent supplement. My Department places the highest priority on ensuring that those arriving in Ireland having fled the reprehensible war in Ukraine are given the supports and services they need. Accordingly full employment support services are available to those who have arrived in Ireland. As of February 17th 2023, employment services staff have engaged with 21,725 people covered by the Temporary Protection Directive.

People who take up employment are entitled to social protection payments on the same basis as an Irish citizen. For instance, people with families who start work may be entitled to Working Family Payment. People who are in receipt of a Jobseekers payment can work for up to 3 days per week and may receive a jobseekers payment for days of unemployment provided that they satisfy the qualifying conditions, including a means test for Jobseekers Allowance. The means test for Jobseekers Allowance incudes a daily earnings disregard. They must inform their local Intreo Centre before taking up employment. People who are in receipt of a One Parent Family Payment, or a Carers payment, or Disability Allowance can avail of an earnings disregard if they start work.

The making of a contribution towards the cost of accommodation and food while in accommodation provided by the State is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.