The war in Ukraine, combined with the high number of international protection applicants has resulted in the largest humanitarian effort in the State's history. Ireland has responded to the war in Ukraine with a coordinated whole of Government response to provide protection and support to those who have had to flee from the violence in Ukraine. Over 105,000 people have arrived in the State and over 83,000 of those have sought accommodation from the State.
From 14 March 2024, under a revised policy, anyone fleeing the war in Ukraine, who registers for temporary protection and is looking for State-provided accommodation in Ireland, will be accommodated for a maximum of 90 days. They will be provided with food, laundry, other services and integration supports in Designated Accommodation Centres (DACs). When they leave the DAC, or if they make their own accommodation arrangements on arrival, they will be entitled to apply for standard social welfare assistance equivalent to Irish citizens subject to meeting the eligibility conditions.
This change in policy is required as a ‘no change’ supports policy carried risk given current accommodation constraints in Ireland and the challenges of continuing to source accommodation in light of migratory pressures and crisis situations. The supports previously being provided were not in alignments with those of other Member States and did not incentivise independence or integration into communities.
The implementation of the new accommodation policy places a strong emphasis on advanced communication of that policy to the Ukrainian community both in Ireland and elsewhere, through a wide range of channels. In addition to clarifying the nature of the policy, communications include information on the housing market in Ireland, the shortage of accommodation and the high rental costs. This is to ensure that an informed decision is made in relation to coming to Ireland.
The focus of supports in DACs are orientation on living and working in Ireland and the options for sourcing accommodation independently. Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) will be given support on transitioning to independent accommodation, including information on accessing the housing market, the supports available in that respect, as well as other streams of accommodation, such as Offer a Home and pledged accommodation. BOTPs will not be restricted to accommodation which may be available near the DAC and are encouraged to look far and wide for options of employment and accommodation to suit their needs.
