Michael Moynihan
Question:142. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection the details of her Department’s supports for refugees from Ukraine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34935/22]
View answerThursday, 14 July 2022
Questions (142)
Written answers
In accordance with the Temporary Protection Directive implemented in March, people fleeing the war in Ukraine have been granted the status to avail of the supports and services, including income supports and employment services, provided by my Department. This means that they can work in Ireland and access social services and the full range of social welfare supports.
A reception facility is operating at City West Convention Centre where officials from the Department of Justice, the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth are available to meet arrivals from Ukraine. This centre is open 7 days a week. People who arrive through Dublin Airport are being transferred to City West.
Anyone who does not arrive through Dublin Airport can call in to my Department’s dedicated City Centre Ukraine Support Centres in Dublin, Cork and Limerick or into local Intreo Centres or Branch Offices where staff will help them to apply for a PPSN and income supports.
A fast-track approach in processing these supports is in place which includes a simplified decision-making process for income supports and quick processing of PPSNs to allow access to public services.
As of 10th July, the Department of Social Protection has allocated 42,256 Public Personal Service Numbers (PPSNs) to people who have arrived in Ireland having fled the war in Ukraine. Almost 21,270 income support claims have been awarded across various social welfare schemes supporting 37,051 people and 8,822 Child Benefit claims have been processed in respect of 13,038 children.
A dedicated section, available in Ukrainian and Russian on www.jobsireland.ie has been developed to provide information on employment opportunities for newly arrived Ukrainians.
Intreo staff from my department also attend information events organised by Education and Training Boards, Local Development Companies and Chambers of Commerce at which they provide information on the full range of income and employment support services.
Since mid-April the Department of Social Protection has organised employment support engagement events for people fleeing the war to gather information on their education and skills and to provide information on vacancies and jobs. These ongoing events are taking place in locations throughout the country in accommodation centres and in Intreo Offices.
My Department is also working closely with education and training boards to facilitate access to relevant training supports, including English language training.
A Recognition Payment of €400 a month per shared or vacant property will be made to people who provide accommodation for those fleeing the war in Ukraine. My Department is administering the payment on behalf of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. The scheme will be launched once the associated legislation has been enacted.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.