Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2024
39. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider altering the Social Welfare and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024 to apply the reduced rate of social welfare payments to Ukrainian people who arrive after a particular date instead of the current approach of connecting the reduced payment to new designated centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18412/24]
View answerIn March 2022, the European Council adopted unanimously the implementing decision regarding the Temporary Protection Directive, due to the mass influx of persons fleeing Ukraine as a consequence of the war. People arriving from Ukraine under the Directive can move through the EU as EU citizens. In October 2023, the EU Council agreed to extend the period of temporary protection to March 2025.
In order to continue to meet the EU Temporary Protection Directive requirements, whilst aligning more closely with other EU Member States approaches, the Government has implemented a revised approach to supporting new arrivals from Ukraine from 14 March 2024.
Under the revised approach, Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection who seek State accommodation are accommodated in Designated Accommodation Centres for a maximum of 90 days during which time they receive a reduced weekly payment of €38.80 per adult and €29.80 per child. The changes have been widely communicated to the Ukrainian community both in Ireland and elsewhere, to ensure people make an informed decision in relation to coming to Ireland.
There has been a notable drop in the number of people arriving from Ukraine and seeking Temporary Protection since the beginning of 2024. In addition, the number of Ukrainians relying on State provided accommodation is decreasing every week as people focus on becoming independent.Any further changes to payments for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection will be considered on a whole-of-Government basis.
